UV Index in Bujumbura, Burundi

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Bujumbura, Burundi, where the climate presents unique sun exposure challenges. With the potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage, being aware of daily UV levels helps in protecting your skin health. Bujumbura, situated in a tropical climate zone, can experience significant UV radiation, peaking at a startling level of 11 around noon. By keeping an eye on the UV Index throughout the day, you can make informed decisions about sun protection and enjoy your outdoor activities safely.

Hourly UV Index in Bujumbura

As the day unfolds, the UV Index reaches its peak between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, soaring to a striking 11. The morning starts gently, with the index at a modest 1 by 7:00 AM, slowly climbing to 4 by 9:00 AM. The sun then intensifies, pushing the index to a strong 10 at 11:00 AM, signaling it's time to seek shade and protect your skin. By 2:00 PM, it begins to wane, dropping to 8, and further decreases to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index continues to fall, reaching 2 at 4:00 PM, and finally settling at 1 by 5:00 PM and 0 as the sun sets at 6:00 PM. Stay aware and shield yourself during those crucial midday 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	2	low	45 min
09:00	4	moderate	30 min
10:00	7	high	25 min
11:00	10	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	10	very high	15 min
14:00	8	very high	15 min
15:00	5	moderate	30 min
16:00	2	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Bujumbura

The UV Index exhibits high levels throughout the year, with extreme exposure categories reported from January to May. March stands out as the month with the highest index at 16, closely followed by February and April at 15 and 16, respectively. High-risk months for UV exposure include the early months of the year through May, particularly January to April, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures during these months—such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible. As the season changes, while the UV Index stabilizes around 11 to 13 from June to December, consistent vigilance is still recommended to avoid skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Bujumbura, Burundi

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Bujumbura. 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 Bujumbura, 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 Bujumbura UV Index with Other Burundi Cities

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

Bujumbura's solar exposure compared to other cities in Burundi. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Bujumbura	14	15	16	16	13	11	11	12	13	13	13	13
Ruyigi UVI	15	15	16	16	13	11	11	13	14	13	13	13
Muyinga UVI	15	15	16	15	14	12	12	13	14	13	13	13
Ngozi UVI	15	16	16	16	14	12	11	13	15	13	13	13
Gitega UVI	15	16	17	16	14	12	12	13	14	13	13	14