UV Index in Nakuru, Kenya

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Nakuru, Kenya, is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region’s temperate climate, the UV exposure can vary dramatically throughout the day, peaking at a UV Index of 12 during the midday hours. This means that not only are residents at risk of immediate effects like sunburn, but long-term damage can also arise from unchecked exposure. Being aware of UV levels allows you to take appropriate precautions, ensuring you can enjoy Nakuru's beautiful outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful rays.

Hourly UV Index in Nakuru

The UV Index for today displays a notable increase, reaching its peak at 12 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, signaling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day begins, the index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 4 by 9:00 AM. A sharp rise occurs by 10:00 AM, hitting 7, before soaring to an intense 10 at 11:00 AM. After the zenith from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, the index gradually declines, dipping to 7 by 3:00 PM, then back down to 4 at 4:00 PM, before closing the day at 0 by 7:00 PM. With such elevated UV levels during the midday hours, it’s crucial to take precautions—seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen to ensure safety while enjoying the outdoors!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	2	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Nakuru

Throughout the year, the UV Index remains extremely high across all months, peaking in January through April, with an index of 17 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. July and August show slightly lower indices of 13 and 14, respectively, yet still pose significant risk. January to April are particularly high-risk months for sun exposure, necessitating vigilance. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure. As the UV levels remain elevated throughout the year, caution is essential for outdoor activities.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Nakuru, Kenya

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Nakuru. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Nakuru, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Nakuru UV Index with Other Kenya Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Nakuru compares to other major locations across Kenya. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Nakuru's solar exposure compared to other cities in Kenya. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Nakuru	16	17	17	17	14	12	13	14	15	15	14	14