Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Mukono, Uganda, where the sun's rays can be intense due to its tropical Af climate. Awareness of UV levels helps protect against sunburn and fosters overall skin health, especially during peak hours when the UV Index reaches alarming levels—climbing to a staggering 13 between noon and 1 PM. With this knowledge, residents can take proactive measures to reduce their exposure and enjoy the outdoors safely, as Mukono's vibrant, sunny days can pose significant UV exposure risks. Stay informed and safeguard your skin!
The UV Index offers a fascinating glimpse into the intensity of sunlight throughout the day. Starting off the morning with a low UV Index of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, conditions remain gentle, perfect for a leisurely start. As the sun climbs higher, the index escalates dramatically, peaking at 13 by noon and early afternoon (12:00 and 13:00), signaling high risk for sun exposure. This is followed by a gradual decline, dropping to 11 at 14:00, then softly tapering off to 8 at 15:00, and further to 5 by 16:00. The evening brings a welcome reprieve as the index falls back to 2 at 17:00, and finally, it settles to 1 at 18:00 before welcoming night with a 0 at 19:00. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | 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 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mukono | 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 |