Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Shimoni, Kenya, where the sun shines brightly, especially during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM. With UV levels reaching a maximum of 11, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health. Shimoni’s climate, characterized by tropical warmth, poses significant risks for overexposure to harmful ultraviolet rays, making it vital to stay informed about daily UV Index readings. By being vigilant, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from potential damage.
The UVI hourly data paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting with a gentle rise at 07:00 with a UV Index of 1, the day quickly gains momentum. By 09:00, it climbs to 4, but the real surge occurs between 10:00 and 12:00, where it peaks at a striking 11—a clear warning for those venturing out. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually decreases from 10 at 13:00 to a more manageable 8 by 14:00, before cascading down to 1 by 17:00. Finally, as twilight sets in, the UV Index drops to a 0 by 19:00, offering a relief from the sun’s earlier aggression. Be mindful of those peak hours, especially around midday!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | 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 displays significant seasonal changes, maintaining a high to extreme category from January through April, with values consistently around 14-15. Notably, March experiences the highest index at 15, maintaining a burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, the index decreases slightly, with June (10) seeing a very high category and extending burn time to 15 minutes. However, high-risk months primarily include January to April and July to August, where the index ranges from 12 to 15 and a burn time of 10 to 15 minutes is recommended. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to safeguard against harmful UV exposure. Maintaining vigilance is essential to enjoying the outdoors safely.
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 |
| Shimoni | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |