Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Kitale, Kenya, as it directly impacts sun safety and overall skin health. With UV levels peaking at a hazardous 12 around midday, awareness of these readings can help prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage. Kitale's temperate climate, characterized by mild summers and snowy winters, still poses significant UV exposure risks during clear days. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and your skin—enjoy the sun responsibly!
The day's UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern of sun intensity, starting gently in the early morning with values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun ascends, the UV Index climbs steadily, peaking dramatically at 12 from 12:00 to 13:00—a crucial time for sun safety measures! After its zenith, the index begins to decline, dropping to 8 by 15:00, and further decreasing to 1 by 18:00. Notably, the evening brings a reassuring 0 by 19:00, making it clear that the middle of the day poses the greatest risk for sun exposure. Remember to stay protected during those midday hours!
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes indicate consistently high levels of UV radiation across every month, with an extreme exposure category and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are particularly prominent from January to April, where UV Index readings peak at 15 to 17. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take preventive measures during these months, including wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when outdoors. Maintaining vigilance about sun exposure is essential year-round, as even the lower index months still reflect significant UV intensity.
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 |
Kitale | 15 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 |
Nakuru UVI | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 |