Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Boussouma, Burkina Faso, where the sun shines brightly in the BSh climate zone. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV readings soaring to 13 around midday, the potential for skin damage increases significantly. This makes it essential to protect yourself during high exposure hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, when risks are most elevated. Staying informed about the UV Index can empower you to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing health risks.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, peaking at 13 around 12:00 PM, signaling a maximum level of sun intensity. Early morning hours start off mild, with a low of 1 at 07:00 and climbing steadily to 6 by 09:00. The sun reaches its zenith at 11:00, with a value of 12, before gradually declining through the afternoon. By 15:00, the index drops to 6, further falling to 3 by 16:00 and finally returning to a safe 1 by 17:00. As twilight approaches, the index settles to 0 after 19:00, providing a serene close to the day. Remember to protect your skin during the peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, when the sun's rays are most potent!
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | 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 |
Across the seasons, UV exposure shows significant variation, with high-risk months typically falling between March and October. During this period, the UV Index remains predominantly in the extreme category, peaking at 13 in July and August, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. Interestingly, January, February, November, and December have a lower UV Index of 9, classifying them as very high exposure months, with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during the extreme months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, to mitigate the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boussouma | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 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 |