Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Koupela, Burkina Faso, where the climate is predominantly hot and dry. With peak UV levels reaching a high of 12 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and promote better skin health. Given the intense sun exposure typical in this region, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is essential for safeguarding against harmful UV rays. Stay informed and protect yourself as you enjoy the vibrant outdoors of Koupela!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises sharply, starting from a calm 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to a moderate 3, making it a good time for early risers to enjoy the outdoors. The sun takes center stage by 09:00, reaching 6, and peaks dramatically at 11:00 and 12:00 with a remarkable 12—a clear indication to seek shade or apply sunscreen during these hours. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity gradually reduces, descending to 8 by 14:00 and further down to 5 by 15:00. By late afternoon, the UV rays mellow to 2 at 16:00 and again drop to 1 by 17:00, rendering the evening safer for outdoor activities. The UV Index finally settles at 0 by 19:00, wrapping up the day with a gentle farewell from the sun. Stay protected during the peak hours and enjoy the outdoors safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index data reveals significant seasonal changes, with consistently high to extreme levels from January to August, peaking in August at UV Index 14. March through September represents the highest-risk months for sun exposure, where the UV Index remains extreme at 12 or above. Residents and visitors should exercise caution during these months, as burn times are as brief as 10 minutes under the extreme classification. Outside of this peak period, October marks a slight decrease, but November and December still present very high UV risks, with burn times of 15 minutes. To protect against skin damage, it is critical to adopt sun safety measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, especially in the highest-risk months.
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 |
| Koupela | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 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 |