Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the sunny town of Zitenga, Burkina Faso, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. With UV levels peaking at 12 around midday, understanding these fluctuations can help prevent sunburn and promote long-term skin health. Zitenga's hot semi-arid climate exposes residents and visitors to significant UV risks, particularly during the peak hours of 10 AM to 3 PM. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the potential for skin damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 3, signaling the start of peak sun exposure. The day reaches its zenith at 12:00, where the index hits a striking 12, making sun protection crucial. Temperatures and intensity gradually decline after 11:00, dropping back to 5 by 15:00 and down to 1 by 17:00. As the evening sets in, the index slows to a gentle 0 by 19:00, underscoring the importance of being mindful of UV levels during the high noon hours. Remember to stay protected!
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 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 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 |