Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Tin-Akoff, Burkina Faso, awareness of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin in this sun-soaked, semi-arid climate. Understanding UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, especially during the peak exposure times when the UV Index soars to dangerous levels of 11 around midday. With typical heights peaking around 10 AM to 2 PM, residents and visitors alike must remain vigilant about their sun safety choices. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the bright days while minimizing the risks associated with overexposure.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reveals its rhythm, peaking dramatically between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a maximum value of 11, indicating a very high level of solar intensity. This is a clear signal to don protective gear, as exposure during these hours can lead to sunburn. The intensity starts with a gentle rise from 1 at 7:00 AM, climbing steadily to reach 8 by 10:00 AM. After noon, the UV Index begins to retreat, dipping to 5 by 3:00 PM, and gradually tapering off to 1 by 6:00 PM. By sunset, the UV exposure has diminished to 0, offering a much-needed respite. This data serves as a reminder to be sun-safe during 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
During the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with high-risk months typically occurring from March to September. The UV Index peaks in April and July at 13, categorized as extreme, where the recommended burn time is just 10 minutes. Additionally, February and October also present very high levels, with indexes of 10 and burn times of 15 minutes. As a result, visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen to minimize the risk of skin damage. It is crucial to stay informed about the daily UV Index to ensure safety throughout the seasons.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tin-Akoff | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Ouahigouya UVI | 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 |