Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Ziguinchor, Senegal, especially with its tropical Aw climate that exposes locals and visitors to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation. Understanding the daily UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protects skin health by enabling individuals to take necessary precautions during peak exposure times. With the UV Index peaking at a striking 13 between 1 PM and 2 PM, awareness is key for enjoying the sun safely. As the sun shines brightly over Ziguinchor, staying informed about UV levels is essential for protecting your skin and enjoying outdoor activities without the risks associated with high UV exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins gently at a cool 1 at 7:00 AM, maintaining this level until 9:00 AM, when it slightly climbs to 3. By 10:00 AM, the intensity escalates dramatically to 6, foreshadowing the midday peak. The UV Index reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, soaring to a blistering 12, and maintains a high of 13 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM—a crucial time to seek shade and wear protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index drops to 10 by 3:00 PM and continues to wane, landing at 3 by 5:00 PM. As daylight dwindles, the UV Index returns to a moderate 1 by 6:00 PM, making those evening strolls safer. Remember, when the sun is at its strongest around noon, take precautions to stay protected!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From January to November, the UV Index ranges between 9 and 10, classified as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. However, from March through October, the index reaches extreme levels, ranging from 12 to 14, with a considerably reduced burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are primarily March through October, particularly in August and September, when the UV Index peaks at 14. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours, to minimize the risk of UV-related harm.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pikine UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Dakar UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Thies Nones UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 8 |
| Thies UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 8 |
| Ziguinchor | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| Touba UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 |