Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Lwengo, Uganda, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. With the city's Aw climate, sunshine is abundant year-round, leading to varying UV exposure levels throughout the day. Recognizing these levels is vital not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for safeguarding long-term skin health. During peak hours, particularly around noon when the UV Index can soar to 11, the risk of harmful effects increases significantly. Staying informed about the UV Index helps residents make smarter decisions for outdoor activities, ensuring both enjoyment and safety in the sunshine.
At dawn, UV Index levels are low, peaking at 1 by 08:00. As the day unfolds, intensity rises sharply, reaching a moderate 3 by 09:00. The real heat comes around 10:00, when the index escalates to 5, but it's between 11:00 and 13:00 that we see the sun at its most potent, with levels soaring to a blistering 11 and peaking at 12. Although the UV Index begins to decline by 14:00, dropping to 8 by 15:00, it remains hazardous. By evening, conditions become safer, as the index falls back to 2 at 17:00, and dwindles to 1 by 18:00, concluding the day with a comforting 0 at 19:00. Always remember to protect your skin during peak 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 experiences consistently high levels throughout the year, peaking from January to April with values ranging from 14 to 16, categorizing these months as extreme risk for skin damage, where a mere 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure can lead to burns. While the index slightly decreases during the summer months of June and July to 12, the high-risk designation remains due to the persistent threat of UV radiation. Even in the fall and winter months, the UV Index does not drop below 12, maintaining an extreme exposure category. It’s vital for both residents and visitors to prioritize sun protection, particularly from January through April. Use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and ensuring limit exposure during peak hours are strongly advised to mitigate health risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Lwengo | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| Mbarara UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 |