Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Jinja, Uganda is crucial for the health and well-being of residents and visitors alike. The UV Index provides daily insights into ultraviolet radiation levels, which helps in preventing sunburn and more serious skin conditions. In Jinja's tropical climate, where the sun can be intense, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when the UV Index peaks at 11, awareness of these levels can significantly influence daily outdoor activities and sun protection measures. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, you can safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful surroundings that Jinja has to offer.
As the sun rises and warms the day, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it safe to venture outdoors without much protection. By 09:00, it jumps to a moderate 3, hinting at the increasing intensity. The real peak arrives between 11:00 and 13:00, where the index soars to an impressive 11, signifying a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon rolls on, the index gradually dips, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and then descending through the late afternoon to 2 by 17:00. The sun sets the scene for a safe evening as the index returns to 1 at 18:00, finally resting at 0 by 19:00. This hourly dance of UV radiation highlights the importance of sun safety 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 |