Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Ol Kalou, Kenya, being aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the daily fluctuations in UV levels—where they peak at a dangerous index of 12 around noon—can empower residents and visitors alike to take the necessary precautions. With a Cfb climate that experiences stronger sunlight, particularly during midday, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is crucial to enjoying the outdoors while minimizing your risk of skin damage. Stay informed, stay protected, and embrace the sunshine wisely!
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, with extreme levels recorded from January to May and throughout September to December. The highest values occur in February, March, and April, reaching a peak of 17, while concentrations slightly decline to 12-15 in the summer months of June through August. Given the consistent extreme exposure category and a mere 10-minute burn time for all months, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures against UV radiation. To minimize the risk of skin damage, individuals are advised to wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade especially during peak sun hours.
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 |
Ol Kalou | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
Nakuru UVI | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 |