Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso is essential for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. With peak UV levels soaring to 12 during midday, awareness of these levels can help residents and visitors alike prevent sunburns and protect against long-term skin damage. As part of the BSh climate zone, Ouagadougou experiences intense sunlight, especially from late morning to early afternoon, when the risks are highest. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoor life of Ouagadougou while keeping your skin health in check.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic rise and fall, with the peak intensity occurring at 12:00 PM, where it reaches a striking value of 12. From the early morning hours, starting at 07:00 AM with a low index of 1, the sun's rays gradually strengthen, climbing to 3 by 08:00 AM and 5 by 09:00 AM. The index then surges to 9 at 10:00 AM, hitting 11 by 11:00 AM. Following its zenith, the index slightly declines to 11 again at 1:00 PM before tapering off to 5 at 3:00 PM. As the day progresses, a gentle descent continues, landing back at 1 by 05:00 PM and leading into the evening hours where it eventually drops to 0 by 07:00 PM. This compelling data reminds us of the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when the UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 | 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 |