Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Zitenga, Burkina Faso, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day can empower residents and visitors alike to protect their skin effectively. With a BSh climate, Zitenga experiences intense sunlight, especially during midday hours, when the UV Index peaks at a striking 13. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin against harmful rays and enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle that this beautiful region offers.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it jumps to 3, a signal to enjoy some morning sun responsibly. The real intensity kicks in at 9:00 AM, peaking at 12:00 PM with a blistering 13—a reminder to seek shade and slather on that sunscreen! After the midday heat, the index begins to decline, dipping to 10 at 2:00 PM, and down to 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, the day winds down at 6:00 PM with a UV index of 1, wrapping up the daylight hours with minimal UV exposure. Stay sun-safe and keep that SPF handy 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking in the summer months. From January to April, the UV index escalates from 10 to a maximum of 13, categorizing these months as having a very high to extreme risk of sun exposure. The high-risk months, particularly from May to September, peak in August with an index of 14, indicating an extreme risk level where the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. Even in October, the UV remains high at 11, emphasizing continued caution. During the later months, November and December, while the index drops back to 9, the exposure category remains very high, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures throughout the year, with heightened vigilance during the summer months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to maintain skin health and safety.
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 |
| Zitenga | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 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 |