UV Index in Musanze, Rwanda

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Musanze, Rwanda, is crucial for protecting skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's characteristic Cfb climate. With UV levels peaking at an alarming 14 between noon and 1 PM, residents and visitors must be aware of these daily fluctuations. For instance, during the morning hours, the UV Index rises steadily from 1 to 10, indicating a shift from minimal to high risk as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Staying informed about UV exposure is essential for enjoying the beautiful outdoor settings of Musanze while safeguarding your skin against harmful rays.

Hourly UV Index in Musanze

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a modest 1 at 07:00, but it quickly ramps up, reaching 3 by 08:00. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00, soaring to 14, signaling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Despite a slight decline to 9 at 14:00, the values remain significant. By late afternoon, the UV intensity diminishes sharply, dropping to 5 by 15:00 and tapering off to 1 by 17:00. As evening falls, the UV Index settles at 0, marking a safe end to the day’s sun activities. Remember to take appropriate precautions when the UV Index is high—your skin will thank you!

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	7	high	25 min
10:00	10	very high	15 min
11:00	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	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 Musanze

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Musanze, Rwanda

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Musanze 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.

Musanze'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 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