UV Index in Bujumbura, Burundi

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Bujumbura, Burundi, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Given the region's Aw climate, which features warm temperatures and ample sunshine, residents and visitors alike should be aware of daily UV levels to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The UV Index peaks around midday, with levels soaring to 13—a reminder of the need for proactive skin health measures. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, you can enjoy Bujumbura's beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against the sun's potent effects.

Hourly UV Index in Bujumbura

The UV Index reveals a striking pattern throughout the day, peaking dramatically around noon. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily, hitting 3 by 08:00 before surging to 10 at 10:00 and reaching its maximum of 13 at 12:00. This midday high suggests the need for strong sun protection as the intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and further declining to a moderate 5 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops sharply to 2 at 16:00 and returns to its morning levels with a 1 at 17:00 and 0 from 18:00 onward. For sun-enthusiasts and safety-conscious individuals alike, the data paints a clear picture: the hours around midday demand the utmost vigilance against UV exposure!

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	10	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	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