Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Tougan, Burkina Faso, where the climate features hot and dry conditions typical of a BSh zone. With UV levels peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, reaching 11 on the scale, awareness becomes essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. By tracking the UV Index, individuals can better plan outdoor activities, ensuring they take necessary precautions—like applying sunscreen or wearing protective clothing—during those especially intense hours of sunlight. Stay informed and protect yourself from the hidden dangers of UV radiation!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts its ascent, peaking at 11 between noon and 1 PM, indicating an extremely high level of solar radiation. Morning hours see a gradual increase from 1 at 7 AM to a brisk 5 by 9 AM. By 10 AM, it spikes to 8, making sun protection essential for those heading outdoors. The midday sun brings the highest exposure, so it's crucial to seek shade and wear sunscreen from 11 AM onwards. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline, dropping to 3 by 4 PM and back to a safe 1 by 5 PM, ensuring a gentle decline into the evening. By 7 PM, the UV threat virtually disappears, marking a clear end to the day's peak exposure hours. Stay savvy and sun-safe!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 displays significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months from June to August, where it reaches an extreme level of 14 and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are clearly March through October, with particularly severe values in July and August, suggesting that sun exposure during this period can quickly lead to skin damage. For both visitors and residents, it’s crucial to exercise caution during these months; protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing, along with seeking shade, are highly recommended to reduce UV-related risks. In January, February, November, and December, while the UV Index is slightly lower at very high, vigilance is still necessary, as a burn time of 15 minutes remains significant.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tougan | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| 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 |
| 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 |