UV Index in Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso, where the climate's hot and dry conditions can lead to elevated UV exposure. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially during peak hours when the index reaches a staggering 14 around noon. With daily fluctuations and a typical climate zone classified as BSh, understanding these UV risks empowers the community to enjoy outdoor activities safely while safeguarding against the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure.

Hourly UV Index in Ouahigouya

At dawn, the UV Index (UVI) starts gently, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM. As the sun rises, we see a gradual increase, hitting 3 at 8:00 AM and surging to 6 by 9:00 AM. The midday sun brings its intensity, with the UVI reaching a striking 14 by 12:00 PM, making it crucial to seek shade or wear sunscreen. It remains high, measuring 13 at 1:00 PM, before beginning to taper off in the afternoon. By 4:00 PM, the index drops to 4, and as the day winds down, it settles back to 1 by 5:00 PM and 0 after 7:00 PM. This data reflects the clear importance of midday sun safety!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	9	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	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	1	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Ouahigouya

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Ouahigouya. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Ouahigouya, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Ouahigouya UV Index with Other Burkina Faso Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Ouahigouya compares to other major locations across Burkina Faso. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Ouahigouya's solar exposure compared to other cities in Burkina Faso. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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