Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Jinja, Uganda, where the sun’s rays can be particularly intense. Being aware of UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in protecting overall skin health. Jinja’s tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and abundant sunshine, poses significant UV exposure risks, especially during the midday hours when levels can soar to 11—the highest on the scale. Stay informed and safe to enjoy the beautiful outdoors without compromising your well-being!
The UV Index today begins its climb gently at 1 early in the morning, peaking as the sun reaches higher into the sky. By 09:00, it registers a moderate 3, but from 10:00 onwards, the intensity escalates sharply, hitting 5 and then soaring to a remarkable 11 by noon. The peak persists through 13:00, holding steady at 11, a clear signal to take sun protection seriously. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually recedes, dropping to 10 at 14:00, and further declining to 7 by 15:00. The UV Index continues to diminish as the day winds down, settling at 4 by 16:00, then slipping to 2 at 17:00, and finally returning to a safe 1 by 18:00. The day ends on a low note of 0 at 19:00, providing a much-needed respite from the sun’s rays. Stay protected during those 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 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | 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 UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Jinja | 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 |