Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Gourcy, Burkina Faso is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health, especially in a climate characterized by its hot and dry conditions. With UV levels peaking at an intense 12 around noon, being aware of these fluctuations can help you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. This knowledge is vital in Gourcy, where the sun can pose significant risks, making it essential to stay informed and protect yourself adequately during those peak hours. Embrace the beauty of the sun while prioritizing your skin health!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise in intensity, peaking at 12 between noon and 1 PM, signaling a high level of risk for unprotected skin. Early morning starts off with a gentle 1 at 7 AM, gradually climbing to 3 by 8 AM. As the sun approaches its zenith, the index escalates to 9 by 10 AM and hits that critical mark of 11 at 11 AM. After reaching the zenith, the UV levels begin to recede, falling back to 9 by 2 PM and tapering off to 3 at 4 PM. By 6 PM, it drops to 1, and finally, the day concludes with a 0 by 7 PM, marking a complete retreat of UV intensity. It’s essential to stay protected, especially 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 levels occurring during the summer months. From March to October, the UV Index typically falls within the extreme category, peaking at 14 in July and August, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. Conversely, in the winter months (January, February, and December), while the index remains elevated (ranging from 9 to 11), the burn time increases to 15 minutes, indicating a somewhat lower risk for skin damage. High-risk months for sun exposure are March through October, particularly July and August, warranting vigilance from both visitors and residents. It is advised to take precautions during peak sun hours by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible to safeguard against adverse health effects from harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Gourcy | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 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 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 |