Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Dire, Mali, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health in this predominantly BWh climate, characterized by intense sunlight. With peak UV levels reaching up to 11 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations can significantly help in preventing sunburn and reducing long-term skin damage. As outdoor activities peak during the sun-soaked hours, knowing when UV levels are highest enables residents and visitors alike to take proactive measures for their skin health, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience in the sun.
From 07:00 to 19:00, the UV Index showcases a definitive pattern, peaking dramatically around 12:00. Starting with a gentle 1 at dawn, the index climbs steadily, reaching 5 by 09:00 and hitting 10 by 11:00. The sun is at its fiercest between 12:00 and 13:00, where it reaches an intense 11, emphasizing the need for sun protection during these hours. As the day progresses, the UV Index begins to taper off, dropping to 8 at 14:00, followed by a decline to 6 by 15:00, and finally falling back to 1 by 17:00. As evening settles in at 19:00, the UV Index drops to 0, marking the end of a high-risk day for sun exposure.
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
Seasonal UV changes reveal a marked increase in UV Index values from January through August, peaking at 14 in both April and August, which falls into the extreme exposure category. The high-risk months for UV exposure are typically from February to September, where the UV Index remains at or above 11, requiring sensitivity to skin safety. During these months, even brief exposure can lead to sunburn—a burn time as short as 10 minutes for lighter skin tones. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize health risks associated with high UV exposure. As autumn and winter approach, UV levels decrease, but the very high exposure category in January, November, and December still necessitates attention, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. Staying informed and protecting against UV radiation is crucial year-round.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dire | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
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 UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |