Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Gouloure, Burkina Faso, is crucial for safeguarding your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With the region's climate categorized as BSh, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure, particularly during the peak hours of 11 AM to 1 PM, when the index maxes out at 13. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for promoting long-term skin health. Stay informed and take proactive measures to protect yourself from the sun's intensity, especially during those hotter months when Gouloure experiences heightened UV risks.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, peaking at 13 around noon, signifying extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation. Early morning hours see a moderate index of 1 at 07:00 and a slight increase to 3 by 08:00. By 09:00, the intensity escalates to 6, and from 10:00 to 12:00, it reaches its zenith, hitting 12 at 11:00. The index holds strong at 13 just after noon, then gradually declines, dropping to 10 at 14:00. The afternoon brings a further drop to 7 at 15:00, before tapering off to 3 by 16:00, and eventually settling back to a low of 1 by 17:00. The evening hours cool down to a 0 UV Index by 19:00, marking a welcome relief as the day transitions into night. Remember, with a maximum UV Index of 13, adequate sun protection is essential during the peak hours!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 shows significant seasonal variation, primarily peaking during the summer months and remaining high throughout the early part of the year. From January through August, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, with values ranging from 11 to 14, indicating a consistent burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. August stands out as the highest month for UV exposure, followed closely by April and June. As we transition into September and October, the UV Index decreases slightly, but both months still maintain an extreme rating. November and December see a drop to very high levels, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. Given these findings, residents and visitors should exercise extreme caution, particularly between March and August, and take preventive measures such as using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to reduce UV exposure.
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 |
| Ouagadougou UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Gouloure | 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 |