UV Index in Lodwar, Kenya

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Lodwar, Kenya, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With UV levels peaking at midday—reaching a high of 13—awareness of these numbers can help residents and visitors alike prevent harmful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Lodwar's BSh climate presents unique challenges, boasting intense sunshine that elevates UV exposure risks, particularly during the dry season. Staying informed about the UV Index is not just a matter of comfort; it’s a vital step towards maintaining skin health and enjoying the sunny days safely.

Hourly UV Index in Lodwar

The UV Index showcases a striking peak at 12:00 PM, where it reaches a maximum of 13. Starting off the day, the index is relatively low at 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 10 by 11:00 AM. As the sun approaches its zenith, the intensity escalates, hitting 12 at noon, reflecting an urgent need for sun protection. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with levels dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM and downward to 4 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index falls steadily, concluding at a gentle 0 by 7:00 PM. This pattern emphasizes the importance of safeguarding your skin during the peak hours of 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

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	13	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Lodwar

Throughout the year, UV levels remain consistently high, with an extreme Exposure category observed every month. The highest UV Index values of 16 occur from February to March, designating these months as high-risk for sun exposure, where burn time is just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. As UV levels remain elevated even in the summer months, continued vigilance is essential year-round to prevent skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Lodwar, Kenya

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Lodwar. 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 Lodwar, 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 Lodwar UV Index with Other Kenya Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Lodwar 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.

Lodwar'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
Lodwar	14	16	16	15	14	12	12	13	13	13	12	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 UVI	16	17	17	17	14	12	13	14	15	15	14	14