UV Index in Gisenyi, Rwanda

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Gisenyi, Rwanda, where the sun's rays can pose significant health risks. With the region’s temperate oceanic climate and high UV levels—peaking at a staggering 14 around noon—awareness of UV exposure is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Knowing the daily fluctuations in UV levels helps you take timely precautions, ensuring you enjoy Gisenyi's beautiful surroundings while keeping your skin safe from harmful UV radiation. By tracking the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun safety, whether you're relaxing by Lake Kivu or exploring the vibrant local culture.

Hourly UV Index in Gisenyi

The UV Index rises dramatically throughout the morning, jumping from a mild 1 at 07:00 to a peak of 14 by 12:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the intensity surpasses 10 between 10:00 and 13:00, signaling an urgent need for sun protection. The index then gracefully declines, dropping to 5 by 15:00 and falling progressively to 0 as evening approaches, marking the day's end at 19:00. This pattern highlights the importance of staying shielded during the peak hours, especially from 11:00 to 13:00, when the sun's rays are at their strongest.

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	10	very high	15 min
11:00	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	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 Gisenyi

Throughout the year, the UV Index remains significantly high, indicating extreme exposure levels. The highest UV indices occur from January to May, consistently reaching around 15 to 16, which corresponds to a burn time of just 10 minutes. As residents and visitors navigate these months, it's crucial to practice sun safety, especially in the high-risk months of February to April. After this peak, the UV Index gradually decreases but remains substantial, particularly in September to November. Regardless of the month, individuals should prioritize protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the risk of UV exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Gisenyi, Rwanda

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Gisenyi 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.

Gisenyi'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	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 UVI	15	16	17	16	14	12	12	13	14	14	13	14