Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Mumias, Kenya, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 11 during midday hours, understanding these fluctuations can empower you to take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Mumias experiences a warm, tropical climate, which increases your exposure risk, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when the sun's rays can be particularly intense. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Kenyan sun while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high in this region, indicating extreme exposure levels particularly from January to April, where the index peaks at 16 in March. As summer approaches, the UV Index slightly decreases, stabilizing around 11 to 13 from June to October, but still implies a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. November and December also maintain a high index of 13 and 12, respectively. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the high-risk months of January through April when the burn time is only 10 minutes. Staying informed and vigilant is essential to mitigate the risks associated with extreme UV exposure 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 |
Mumias | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |