Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Lweeza, Uganda, where the strong sun exposure can pose serious health risks. With peak UV levels often reaching 11 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations is vital for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. Lweeza's climate, characterized by its tropical conditions, enhances the potential for harmful UV radiation, making it essential to monitor these levels and take appropriate precautions. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting yourself and your loved ones from the damaging effects of the sun.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lweeza | 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 |