Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Machakos, Kenya, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring a healthier lifestyle under the sun. With its Cwb climate, Machakos experiences significant ultraviolet radiation, especially during peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM when the UV index can soar to a dangerous 12. By being aware of the UV index, residents and visitors can take essential steps to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful effects, enjoying the vibrant outdoors safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00 before gradually climbing to a moderate 2 by 08:00. The real intensity kicks in as the clock strikes 10:00, when the index reaches a noteworthy 7. By 11:00, it peaks at an extreme 10, and just after noon, it hits the highest point of the day at an impressive 12. This intense UV exposure continues until 13:00, where it remains steady at 12. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline, dropping to 10 at 14:00, then tapering off to 7 by 15:00. The UV Index continues to decrease, reaching 4 at 16:00 and returning to a low of 1 by the evening, with the sun slipping below the horizon at 19:00, leaving a safe UV reading of 0.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences consistently high levels throughout the year, with values peaking from January to April, where the index ranges between 15 and 17, indicating extreme exposure risk and a burn time of just 10 minutes. These months are particularly critical for both visitors and residents, who should take strong precautions against sun exposure, including wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen frequently. While the index shows a slight decrease during the summer months of June to August, it still remains in the extreme category, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. September to December maintain similar levels, with UV Index values between 13 and 14, thus reminding everyone that sun safety should be a priority year-round. Staying educated about seasonal UV variations and focusing on preventive measures is crucial for outdoor activities in this region.
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 |
| 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 |
| Machakos | 15 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 |
| Nakuru UVI | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 |