Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Magadi, Kenya, where the warm, sunny climate poses unique challenges for skin health. As temperatures soar, particularly around midday, UV radiation levels can reach alarming heights, with indices peaking at 11 during the midday hours. Awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it imperative to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks. With Magadi's Aw climate encouraging outdoor activities, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can safeguard your well-being and enhance your enjoyment of this beautiful region.
As the sun rises, UV Index levels begin their climb, starting at a meek 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it nudges up to 2, signaling the potential for some fleeting sun exposure. The real surge begins at 09:00, where it reaches 4, and by 10:00, we hit the moderate threshold of 7. The peak arrives during the midday hours: at 11:00 and 12:00, the UV Index skyrockets to a blistering 10 and 11 respectively, urging caution for those outside. Even at 13:00 and 14:00, the intensity remains high at 11 and 9. As the day wanes, the index drops steadily—falling to 7 at 15:00, 4 by 16:00, and returns to a safe 1 by 17:00 through 18:00. Finally, as dusk approaches at 19:00, the UV exposure dips to 0, marking a gentle end to the day's solar influence.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, with extreme exposure levels reported from January to April, peaking at 16 in March. The high-risk months for UV exposure are primarily from January to September, during which burn time is only 10 minutes, emphasizing the need for caution. As summer approaches, UV Index values slightly decrease but remain notably high, with levels around 11 to 13 during the peak months of June to August. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during the high-risk months, to minimize the risk of skin damage caused by UV radiation. Staying informed and vigilant in managing sun exposure is crucial for maintaining health and safety year-round.
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 |
| Magadi | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 |
| 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 |