Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV levels can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, peaking around midday with values reaching 12, classified as extreme. Understanding these levels helps you take preventive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, essential in the hot and dry BSh climate of Ouahigouya. With typical intense sunlight exposure, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying the sun safely.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dramatic curve of sun intensity, peaking spectacularly at 12 during the midday hours. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher, the intensity escalates, hitting 6 at 09:00 and soaring to 8 by 10:00. The pinnacle of UV exposure occurs between 11:00 and 13:00, with an impressive high of 11 at 11:00 and 12 at noon. Following this zenith, the numbers gracefully dip to 8 at 14:00, then gradually taper off, descending to 5 by 15:00 and further down to 1 by 17:00. As the evening approaches, the UV Index turns gentle, resting at 0 by 19:00, signaling the end of a sun-soaked day. Always remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months of July and August with an Index of 14, categorized as extreme, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. The spring and early fall months, from March to September, also fall under the extreme category, indicating a heightened risk for skin damage. January, November, and December see a gradual decline with an Index of 10 and 9, categorized as very high, with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Given these insights, both visitors and residents should exercise caution, prioritizing sun protection measures—such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing—especially from March to October when UV levels are most hazardous. Adjustment of outdoor activities to earlier or later in the day can further mitigate risk.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ouahigouya | 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 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 |