Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Komki-Ipala, Burkina Faso, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting yourself from harmful sun exposure. With the region's climate classified as BSh, residents and visitors alike face varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking at a serious UV Index of 13 around noon. By monitoring these levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and maintain skin health, ensuring your outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. Awareness of the UV Index is not just about avoiding immediate discomfort; it plays a vital role in long-term skin protection and overall well-being in this sun-drenched environment.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it jumps to 3, a signal to enjoy some morning sun responsibly. The real intensity kicks in at 9:00 AM, peaking at 12:00 PM with a blistering 13—a reminder to seek shade and slather on that sunscreen! After the midday heat, the index begins to decline, dipping to 10 at 2:00 PM, and down to 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, the day winds down at 6:00 PM with a UV index of 1, wrapping up the daylight hours with minimal UV exposure. Stay sun-safe and keep that SPF handy during those 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | 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 |
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 |
| Komki-Ipala | 11 | 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 |