Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Busia, Kenya, being aware of the UV Index is essential for ensuring skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions, especially during peak hours when the sun's rays can be at their most intense. With a typical tropical climate and high UV exposure risks, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the index often reaches as high as 11, the importance of safeguarding your skin cannot be overstated. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Busia while minimizing the risk of harmful sun damage.
As the sun rises and warms the day, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it safe to venture outdoors without much protection. By 09:00, it jumps to a moderate 3, hinting at the increasing intensity. The real peak arrives between 11:00 and 13:00, where the index soars to an impressive 11, signifying a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon rolls on, the index gradually dips, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and then descending through the late afternoon to 2 by 17:00. The sun sets the scene for a safe evening as the index returns to 1 at 18:00, finally resting at 0 by 19:00. This hourly dance of UV radiation highlights the importance of sun safety during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant changes throughout the year, with the highest values peaking in the early months. From January to April, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, reaching a high of 16 in March, indicating a consistent risk for sunburn with a burn time of just 10 minutes. As the year progresses, the index gradually decreases but stays in the extreme range for much of the year, including May to July. The summer months of June and July see a slight decline to 11, but August and September return to 13, indicating continued risk. Visitors and residents should particularly be cautious during the high-risk months of January through April and remain vigilant even during the summer. It is crucial to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mombasa UVI | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
| Busia | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| Kikuyu UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 |
| Ruiru UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 |
| Nairobi UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 |
| Nakuru UVI | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 |