Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Kiambu, Kenya, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and promoting overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it crucial for both residents and visitors. Kiambu enjoys a Cfb climate, which means it experiences mild temperatures but can still expose you to dangerous UV rays, especially during the peak sun hours from 11 AM to 1 PM, when the UV Index can soar as high as 11. By being aware of the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to minimize your risk and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
The UV Index reveals an exciting yet cautionary tale of sun exposure throughout the day. Early risers will find gentle UV levels at 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, perfect for a leisurely breakfast outdoors. As the sun climbs higher, the index surges past 3 at 9:00 AM and peaks dramatically at 11 by 12:00 PM, signaling a prime time for sun protection. The intensity remains elevated with another 11 at 1:00 PM, making midday a critical window for sunscreen and shade. The UV levels then gracefully descend, slipping to 9 at 2:00 PM and tapering down through the afternoon, reaching back to 1 by 6:00 PM, before finally winding down to 0 after sunset at 7:00 PM. It’s a vivid reminder to balance enjoyment in the sun with safety!
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 | 9 | 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 experiences extreme levels throughout the year, with consistently high readings from January to April (ranging from 15 to 16) and only slightly lower values during May to July (11 to 13). The high-risk months extend from January to April, where the UV Index remains at its peak, and even later months like August to October still show considerable risk. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. With a uniform burn time of just 10 minutes across all months, it is crucial to remain vigilant to prevent skin damage throughout the year.
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 |
Kiambu | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 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 |