Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Musanze, Rwanda, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially as the sun's intensity peaks during the midday hours. Musanze's cool, temperate climate may offer some respite, but typical UV exposure risks remain significant, with midday values soaring to 12. Stay informed and keep your skin safe by monitoring the UV Index throughout the day!
At dawn, the UV Index starts with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually rising to a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index surges, reaching a peak of 12 at both 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a strong need for sun protection during these hours. The intensity wanes in the afternoon, dropping to 8 at 2:00 PM, followed by a steady decline to 5 at 3:00 PM, and further down to 2 by 4:00 PM. As the day concludes, the UV exposure lessens drastically, with values retreating to 1 by 5:00 PM and ultimately dropping to 0 from 6:00 PM onward. This hourly data underscores the importance of midday sun safety practices, as the risk for skin damage is significantly heightened during the peak hours.
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 | 12 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences consistently high levels throughout the year, with values peaking from January to April, where the index ranges between 15 and 17, indicating extreme exposure risk and a burn time of just 10 minutes. These months are particularly critical for both visitors and residents, who should take strong precautions against sun exposure, including wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen frequently. While the index shows a slight decrease during the summer months of June to August, it still remains in the extreme category, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. September to December maintain similar levels, with UV Index values between 13 and 14, thus reminding everyone that sun safety should be a priority year-round. Staying educated about seasonal UV variations and focusing on preventive measures is crucial for outdoor activities in this region.
UV Risk Categories
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 UVI | 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 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 |