Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for staying safe in Nouna, Burkina Faso, where the sun's intensity can pose serious risks to skin health. With a tropical savanna climate (BSh), UV levels often soar to dangerous heights, peaking at an alarming 12 around midday. Being aware of these fluctuations can help you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. As the sun rises and its rays intensify, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen becomes vital for safeguarding your health and enjoying the vibrant outdoors under Burkina Faso's relentless sun.
The UV Index for the day reveals a dramatic rise in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting from a low 1 at 07:00, the index surges to a peak of 12 by 12:00, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With the peak times around 11:00 and 12:00 registering 11 and 12 respectively, caution is strongly advised. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and then tapering off to 6 by 15:00. The evening brings further relief, with values dwindling back to 1 by 17:00 and reaching 0 at 19:00. Be sure to protect yourself during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant variation throughout the year, with highest levels occurring from March to September, peaking at 14 in both July and August. These months are classified as having an extreme exposure category, where the burn time is only 10 minutes, indicating an increased risk for skin damage. Conversely, January and November have a very high UV Index of 10, while December sees a slight reduction to 9. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure and prevent sunburn.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ouahigouya UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
Koudougou UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Nouna | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Ouagadougou UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Bobo-Dioulasso UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
Banfora UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |