Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Goundam, Mali, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's BWh climate, which exposes residents and visitors to significant UV radiation levels. The UV Index can soar as high as 13 around noon, indicating extreme risk, while mornings and late afternoons see much lower levels. Being aware of these fluctuations helps individuals take necessary precautions, such as seeking shade or applying sunscreen, to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun. Prioritizing UV Index awareness not only promotes healthier skin but also enhances overall well-being in this sunny region.
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!
| 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 |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goundam | 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 |