Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Houndé, Burkina Faso, where the typically hot and dry climate can lead to heightened sun exposure risks. The UV Index provides vital information about the strength of sun's ultraviolet radiation and its potential impact on skin health, helping you make informed decisions to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With peak UV levels often soaring to 13 around midday, awareness of these readings is essential for safeguarding your skin during outdoor activities in this vibrant city. By keeping a close eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun while staying protected!
The UV Index presents a dynamic story throughout the day, beginning with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, ideal for a morning stroll. As the sun rises, the intensity increases, hitting 3 by 8:00 AM and reaching 5 at 9:00 AM—a sign that sunscreen should start making an appearance. The peak comes between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, soaring to a striking 11 and then a maximum of 13 at noon, signaling a time when direct sun exposure can be particularly harmful. A gradual decline follows, with the index dropping to 9 by 2:00 PM, and easing back to 1 as evening approaches, reminding us to seek shade during the hottest hours. As the day winds down, the index concludes at 0 by 7:00 PM, inviting a leisurely night's rest.
| 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 | 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 |
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 |