Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kibuye, Rwanda is crucial for protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays. With peak UV levels reaching 11 by midday, it's essential to be aware of these fluctuations to prevent sunburn and safeguard your skin health. Kibuye's temperate climate offers plenty of sunshine, but this also means higher exposure risks, especially during the hours of greatest intensity. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while taking the necessary precautions to ensure your well-being.
The UV Index begins its ascent at 07:00 with a low reading of 1, gradually rising to 2 by 08:00. As the day progresses, the intensity of UV radiation peaks at 12:00, hitting a maximum of 11—a critical level where sun protection is essential. Following this zenith, the index starts to decline, measuring 10 at 13:00, then tapering off to 8 by 14:00. By mid-afternoon, the UV Index drops to 5 at 15:00 and continues its downward trajectory, reaching 2 at 16:00. As the sun sets, the UV index decreases to 1 by 17:00 and ultimately settles at 0 by 18:00, signifying the end of significant UV exposure for the day. It's a reminder that while the sun's rays can be intense at midday, the morning and late afternoon offer safer conditions for outdoor activities.
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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index consistently remains extremely high throughout the year, peaking at 17 in March. From January to May, the index ranges from 15 to 17, marking these months as high-risk periods for skin damage with a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. While the index slightly declines from June to August, it stays above 11, indicating continued vigilance is necessary. The UV Index then averages around 13 from September to December, maintaining an elevated risk level. Residents and visitors are advised to take appropriate sun safety measures year-round, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to mitigate potential health impacts.
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 |
Kibuye | 15 | 16 | 17 | 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 |