Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can play a significant role in preventing sunburn and reducing the long-term risks of skin damage. With the region's Aw climate, characterized by high temperatures and abundant sunshine, locals and visitors face notable UV exposure risks, particularly during peak hours when indices skyrocket to 13. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful, sunny days in this vibrant city.
The UV Index peaks dramatically throughout the day, starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 and rapidly escalating to a max of 13 between 12:00 and 13:00. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity of UV radiation intensifies, reaching a pivotal 12 at 11:00—a clear signal to seek shade if you're outdoors! The afternoon sees a gradual decline, slipping back to 7 by 15:00 and tapering down to a gentle 1 by 18:00. As the day winds down, the UV threat diminishes, hitting a low of 0 by 19:00. Be sure to protect your skin during the peak hours, especially between 10:00 and 14:00!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant changes throughout the year, with extreme levels recorded from January to October, peaking at 14 in August and September. This indicates that these months, along with March, April, May, June, July, and October, pose a high risk for UV exposure, where a mere 10 minutes of sun can lead to skin burns. In November and December, the UV Index drops to 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly more extended burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the high-risk months of August and September when the UV exposure is at its peak.
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 |
Bobo-Dioulasso | 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 |