Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Gaongo, Burkina Faso, being aware of the UV Index is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike take proactive steps to protect themselves from harmful solar radiation, especially during peak hours when the index can soar above 12. The region's BSh climate brings intense sunshine, resulting in higher UV exposure that can significantly increase the risk of skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny outdoors while safeguarding your skin's wellbeing.
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 | 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 | 9 | 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 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 |
Ouagadougou UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Gaongo | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 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 |