Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Mwaro, Burundi, where the Cwb climate brings unique exposure risks throughout the year. With UV levels peaking at a high of 11 during midday hours, awareness of these indicators is essential to prevent sunburn and to maintain long-term skin health. Protecting yourself from UV rays is not just about avoiding discomfort; it's about safeguarding your skin against harmful effects. As the sun's intensity varies, knowing the UV Index helps you plan your outdoor activities wisely and ensure you're adequately covered during those peak exposure hours. Stay informed and enjoy the beautiful Mwaro sun safely!
The UV Index begins its ascent at 07:00 with a low reading of 1, gradually rising to 2 by 08:00. As the day progresses, the intensity of UV radiation peaks at 12:00, hitting a maximum of 11—a critical level where sun protection is essential. Following this zenith, the index starts to decline, measuring 10 at 13:00, then tapering off to 8 by 14:00. By mid-afternoon, the UV Index drops to 5 at 15:00 and continues its downward trajectory, reaching 2 at 16:00. As the sun sets, the UV index decreases to 1 by 17:00 and ultimately settles at 0 by 18:00, signifying the end of significant UV exposure for the day. It's a reminder that while the sun's rays can be intense at midday, the morning and late afternoon offer safer conditions for outdoor activities.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 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 |
The UV Index shows consistently high levels throughout the year, peaking in March and April at 16, which are the highest values recorded. The high-risk months for UV exposure are January through May, where the index remains predominantly above 14, categorizing them as extreme risk months with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these periods by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during midday hours when the sun’s rays are most intense. As a general rule, even during the summer months, exposure remains significantly high, with a burn time of 10 minutes persisting throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bujumbura UVI | 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 |
| Mwaro | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 |
| 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 |