Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Saaba, Burkina Faso is crucial for safeguarding your skin against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. With Saaba's climate classified as semi-arid, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure, especially during the midday hours when values peak at 13. By staying informed about UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and maintain skin health, allowing you to enjoy the radiant sunshine while minimizing risks. Whether you're working outdoors or exploring the vibrant local culture, being aware of the UV index is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience in this beautiful region.
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 |
| Saaba | 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 |