Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kampala Central Division, Uganda is crucial for protecting your skin and enhancing overall health, particularly in a climate characterized by high sun exposure. As the sun’s intensity peaks with UV levels reaching 11 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations can be the key to preventing sunburns and long-term skin damage. With the warm, tropical climate typical of the area, residents and visitors alike must remain vigilant about the risks associated with elevated UV levels, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM when exposure is at its highest. Stay informed to enjoy the sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its subtle ascent, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it jumps to 3, signaling the start of more intense rays. The real surge occurs between 10:00 and 13:00, where it peaks at an impressive 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. From 14:00, it gradually declines, with values dropping to 10 and then easing further down to 5 by 16:00. As the late afternoon sets in, the index softens to 2 at 17:00 and returns to a safe 1 by 18:00, ultimately falling to 0 by 19:00. This daily dance of UV radiation underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during the 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index in this region remains consistently high throughout the year, with values peaking at 16 in March. January through May marks the extreme risk period, with UV Indexes ranging from 14 to 16, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. As we move into the summer months of June and July, the UV Index slightly decreases to 11, but still falls under the extreme category, maintaining the 10-minute burn time. Even during the fall months of September and October, with values hovering around 12 to 13, caution is essential. November and December see a slight dip in UV levels, yet they remain at 12. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions throughout the year, including wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours, to minimize the risks associated with high UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kampala Central Division | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Kampala UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Jinja UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Gulu UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| Lira UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| Mbarara UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 |