Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Rulenge, Tanzania, where the tropical climate brings substantial sun exposure year-round. With UV levels in certain hours soaring, reaching a maximum of 12 around midday, awareness of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Prolonged exposure to high UV levels can lead to serious skin issues, making it imperative to stay informed about daily UV fluctuations. Given Rulenge's Aw climate, where sun intensity often peaks during the hot season, vigilance against UV-related risks is vital for enjoying the beautiful outdoors safely.
The UV index for the day displays a striking pattern that highlights the changing intensity of solar radiation throughout the hours. Starting off gently at 07:00 and 08:00, the index is a mild 1, ideal for those sensitive to sunlight. As the morning progresses, the numbers begin to climb, reaching 2 by 09:00 and soaring to 5 by 10:00, signaling a rise in UV exposure. The midday sun peaks sharply at 12:00, where the UV index hits an impressive 11, emphasizing the importance of sun protection during this critical time. The intensity remains high, with a peak of 12 at 13:00, before gradually tapering off to 10 by 14:00. As the afternoon unfolds, the values decline steadily—first to 8 at 15:00 and then to 5 at 16:00. By evening, the UV index drops back to 2 at 17:00, transitioning to a comfortable 1 by 18:00, and finally 0 at 19:00, marking the end of a sun-drenched day. It's a clear reminder of the importance of being sun-smart, especially during the midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
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.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zanzibar UVI | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Dar es Salaam UVI | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Mwanza UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Rulenge | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Arusha UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 |
| Mbeya UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 |