Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Saaba, Burkina Faso, where the climate is characterized by hot, dry conditions typical of a BSh zone. With peak UV levels soaring to as high as 13 during midday hours, awareness of UV exposure is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. By staying informed about daily UV levels, residents can take proactive measures to minimize their risk of harmful sun exposure, ensuring they enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle Saaba offers while keeping their skin safe.
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 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 |