UV Index in Rakai, Uganda

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Rakai, Uganda, as it directly impacts our skin health and sunburn prevention efforts. With the region's Aw climate, characterized by a significant amount of sunlight, it’s essential to stay informed about daily UV levels, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 14—signifying an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By being aware of these levels, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV rays, ensuring a safer, healthier outdoor experience in this beautiful part of Uganda.

Hourly UV Index in Rakai

As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 07:00 and remains steady until 09:00. A noticeable shift occurs at 10:00, with the index climbing to 7, signaling a peak in sun intensity. 11:00 marks the tipping point at 11, and by 12:00, it skyrockets to a striking 13. The intensity reaches its zenith at 13:00 with an impressive 14. However, the afternoon brings a gradual decline, dropping to 12 by 14:00 and then further down to 9 by 15:00. As the sun begins to set, the UV Index descends to 5 at 16:00, tapering off to 2 at 17:00, before fading into the evening with 1 at 18:00 and finally resting at 0 by 19:00. Remember to protect your skin during those peak daylight hours!

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	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	7	high	25 min
11:00	11	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	14	extreme	10 min
14:00	12	extreme	10 min
15:00	9	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Rakai

Throughout the year, UV Index levels remain consistently high, particularly from January to May, where values peak at 16 in March and maintain extreme exposure categories. This pattern continues into the summer, with UV Indexes around 12 to 14 from June to September. Thus, the high-risk months for UV exposure are March and February, with values of 16 and 15, respectively. To ensure safety, both visitors and residents should take protective measures throughout the year, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during these high-risk months, as burn time remains at just 10 minutes across all months. Staying hydrated and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours is also crucial to minimize the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Rakai, Uganda

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Rakai compares to other major locations across Uganda. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Rakai's solar exposure compared to other cities in Uganda. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Rakai	14	15	16	15	14	12	12	13	14	13	12	12
Mbarara UVI	14	15	16	15	14	12	12	13	14	13	12	12