UV Index in Kigali, Rwanda

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Kigali, Rwanda is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the city's high UV exposure levels throughout the day. With a climate classified as Aw, Kigali experiences significant sunlight, and the UV Index can peak at a staggering 12 around midday, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By monitoring the UV levels, residents and visitors can take appropriate precautions to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting their skin from damaging rays. Awareness and timely action can make all the difference in maintaining healthy skin in this vibrant city!

Hourly UV Index in Kigali

At dawn, the UV Index starts low at 1 around 7 AM, gradually rising to 3 by 8 AM. However, from 9 AM, it begins to climb steeply, reaching a peak of 12 at noon, indicating a time for caution and sun protection. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 8 at 2 PM, and further declining to 5 by 3 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index lowers significantly to 2 at 4 PM, then 1 at 5 PM, finally fading to 0 after 6 PM. This fluctuation illustrates a clear pattern of midday sun strength, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to stay vigilant during peak 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	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	6	high	25 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	11	extreme	10 min
12:00	12	extreme	10 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 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 Kigali

The UV Index remains notably high throughout the year, with extreme exposure categories consistently present, particularly in the first half of the year from January to May, where the index peaks at 16 during February and March. As a result, January through May are identified as high-risk months for UV exposure, with a dangerously short burn time of just 10 minutes. Although the index slightly decreases in the summer months of June and July to 12, it remains categorized as extreme. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions such as wearing protective clothing, using high-SPF sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight hours, to minimize the risk of skin damage throughout the year.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Kigali, Rwanda

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

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

Kigali's solar exposure compared to other cities in Rwanda. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Gisenyi UVI	15	16	16	16	14	12	11	13	14	13	13	13
Kigali	15	16	16	15	14	12	12	13	14	13	13	13
Gitarama UVI	15	16	16	16	14	12	12	13	14	13	13	13
Butare UVI	14	16	17	16	14	12	12	13	15	13	13	13
Musanze UVI	15	16	17	16	14	12	12	13	14	14	13	14