UV Index in Dire, Mali

Last updated: August 1, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Dire, Mali, a region known for its sunny climate (BWh classification) that poses significant exposure risks. With peak UV levels reaching up to 13 during midday, awareness of these values is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. By grasping UV levels throughout the day—especially during the hours of 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM—people can take proactive measures to safeguard their skin against harmful UV radiation, ensuring a safer and healthier outdoor experience in this vibrant locale.

Hourly UV Index in Dire

At 07:00, the UV Index starts at a low 1, providing a gentle introduction to the day. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity begins to rise sharply, hitting 3 by 08:00 and reaching a notable 5 by 09:00. The real surge occurs between 10:00 and 12:00, where the UV Index soars from 9 to a peak of 13. The afternoon maintains this intensity, with 12 at 13:00 and gradually tapering off afterward. By 15:00, it dips to 7, then drops further to 4 by 16:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index returns to a lower level, sitting at 2 by 17:00, and finally tapering to 1 at 18:00, before completely fading to 0 by 19:00. This daily UV Index cycle highlights the importance of sun safety during peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	very high	15 min
15:00	7	high	25 min
16:00	4	moderate	30 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Dire

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Dire, Mali

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Dire. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Dire, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Dire UV Index with Other Mali Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Dire compares to other major locations across Mali. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Dire's solar exposure compared to other cities in Mali. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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