Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Rutana, Burundi, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin's health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors make informed decisions about sun exposure, especially during the day when UV radiation peaks. With its Cwb climate, Rutana experiences distinct seasonal changes, but UV risks can remain significant, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the index reaches up to 11. Being proactive not only protects your skin but also enhances your overall outdoor experience in this beautiful region.
The UV Index today shows a striking progression through the hours. Starting the day with a mild 1 at 07:00, it quickly ramps up to 3 by 08:00, indicating that sun exposure is starting to become relevant. By 09:00, it reaches 5, marking the beginning of a more intense sun experience. The 10:00 hour brings a sharp increase to 8, while 11:00 and 12:00 peak at an impressive 11—signifying a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon continues, the index gradually dips, dropping to 10 at 13:00, then sliding to 8 by 14:00, before decreasing further to 4 at 15:00. The sun’s intensity wanes into the evening, falling to 2 at 16:00, and finally reaching 1 by 17:00. By 18:00 and beyond, the UV Index falls to 0, offering a reprieve from the sun’s rays as the day concludes. Always remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV radiation remains extremely high, with the UV Index often exceeding 10, signaling an extreme exposure category. Notably, the highest UV levels occur from January to April, peaking at 16, indicating that these months are critical for sun safety. While May to August see a slight reduction, the UV Index remains above 11, keeping the risk consistently elevated. As fall approaches, the UV Index tapers slightly, but levels of 13-14 in September to December still warrant caution. Visitors and residents should take precautions year-round, particularly in the high-risk months of January through April. Always apply a high-SPF sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
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 |
| Rutana | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 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 |