Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Koro, Mali, a region characterized by a BSh climate that exposes its inhabitants to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. With peak UV levels reaching 14 around noon, awareness of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. By grasping the importance of UV exposure, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of the sun, particularly during the hotter hours when risks are greatest. Stay informed, stay protected!
From the early hours of the day, the UV Index begins at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, increasing gradually as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 8:00 AM, it rises to 3, and then sharply escalates to 6 by 9:00 AM. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00 PM, where the UV Index reaches a striking 14. From there, it maintains a high level for another hour before gradually declining: 11 at 2:00 PM, diminishing to 7 by 3:00 PM and further down to 4 at 4:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the UV Index drops to 2 at 5:00 PM, finally tapering off to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling the end of a day characterized by significant UV radiation exposure. It’s crucial to protect your skin during peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the UV Index reaches its maximum!
| 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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, peaking during the late spring and summer months. From January to April, the UV Index climbs from 10 to 14, categorizing exposure as very high to extreme, with burn times decreasing to just 10 minutes by April. This trend continues into the summer, with July and August maintaining a high UV Index of 14. The risk remains substantial through September and October, before tapering off in November and December, where UV Index values decrease to 10 and 9, respectively. Visitors and residents should take precautions during the high-risk months (February through October) by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours. Being vigilant during these periods is essential to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mopti UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 |
| Segou UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Koro | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Bamako UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Koutiala UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| Sikasso UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |