Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Houndé, Burkina Faso, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. High UV levels can lead to sunburn, skin damage, and long-term health issues, making awareness essential for residents and visitors alike. Houndé's climate, characterized by its hot and dry conditions, exposes individuals to significant UV risks, particularly during peak hours when the index soars, with a maximum of 13 around midday. Being mindful of these UV levels can help you enjoy the sun safely, ensuring a healthy, vibrant life under Burkina Faso's bright skies.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off low at 1 during the early hours, gradually rising as the sun climbs. By 09:00, it reaches 5, signaling a need for some sun protection. The peak occurs at 12:00, with a high of 13, indicating that the sun's rays are at their most intense—it's crucial to stay shaded and apply sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses into 14:00, the index drops slightly to 10, still warranting caution. Then, from 15:00 onward, the UV levels begin to decrease significantly, settling at 4 by 16:00. By the time 18:00 rolls around, the UV Index returns to a safer 1, and we bid farewell to the sun's severity as it softly fades into the evening, reaching 0 by 19:00. Remember to take care during those peak hours!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest values occurring from February to October, peaking at 14 in August. These months are categorized as having an extreme exposure risk, where a burn can occur in as little as 10 minutes. Particularly high-risk months are February to September, making it essential for visitors and residents to take precautionary measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses when outdoors. In contrast, November and December see a reduction in risk, characterized by a very high exposure category and longer burn times of 15 minutes. It is vital for everyone to remain vigilant and informed about these seasonal UV changes to ensure skin safety all year round.
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 |
| Hounde | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 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 |