Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Bougouni, Mali, understanding the UV Index is vital for protecting your skin from harmful rays and preventing sunburn. The climate here falls within the Aw zone, characterized by intense sunlight and high temperatures, which can elevate UV levels throughout the day. With peak readings reaching as high as 13 between noon and 1 PM, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday residents alike. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take necessary precautions to safeguard your skin health and enjoy the beautiful Malian sun safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM, perfect for early risers enjoying the fresh morning air. By 9:00 AM, it escalates to a moderate 5, signaling it's time to think about sun protection. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM, when the index hits a scorching 13, marking the sun’s most aggressive rays. For the next hour, it remains at this intense level before gradually declining through the afternoon: 11 at 1:00 PM, 8 at 3:00 PM, and finally down to 4 by 4:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM, then to a calming 0 by 7:00 PM, inviting a warm evening to unwind. Enjoy the day, but remember to shield yourself during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant increases from January through September, peaking at 14 during August and September, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The months of March to September are particularly high-risk, as the UV levels remain consistently extreme. In October, the index dips slightly to 11 before decreasing to 10 in November and December, transitioning to a very high exposure category with a longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure and reduce 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 |
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 |
Bougouni | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
Sikasso UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |