Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sikasso, Mali, as it provides essential information about the sun's intensity and potential risks to skin health. With the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage increasing significantly during peak UV hours, being aware of these levels can help you take proactive measures to protect yourself. Sikasso, characterized by its Aw climate, experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, with indices reaching as high as 14 around noon. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days while minimizing health risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a low 1 by 07:00. By 09:00, it ramped up to 5, marking the start of a more intense sun. The intensity peaks sharply at 12:00 with a striking 14, suggesting that outdoor enthusiasts should take precautions against overexposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index tapers off, showcasing a gradual decline to 8 by 15:00, then falling to 4 by 16:00. As the sun sets, the risk diminishes, trailing back to a safe 1 by 18:00 and finally reaching 0 by 19:00. Remember, when planning outdoor activities, midday exposure is the most critical time to stay protected!
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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | 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 |
Seasonal UV changes indicate a consistent pattern of extreme exposure risk from January through October, peaking in the summer months. The highest UV Index readings, reaching 14 in July, August, and September, mark these as high-risk months for sun exposure, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. While the UV Index decreases in November and December to 10, the exposure category remains very high, resulting in a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during midday hours when UV radiation is strongest. Always be mindful of the extreme UV conditions prevalent during most of the year.
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 |
Sikasso | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |