Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Kaliro, Uganda, where the sun shines brightly for much of the year. With a climate classified as Am—tropical with a wet and dry season—Kaliro's residents face varying UV exposure risks that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin health issues. By keeping track of UV levels throughout the day, particularly when they peak at midday, locals can take proactive measures to protect their skin and enjoy the outdoors safely. With maximum UV Index numbers soaring to 11 during peak hours, awareness is vital for safeguarding against the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure.
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, indicating an extreme exposure risk from January to April, with values reaching 15. These high-risk months highlight the importance for visitors and residents to take proactive sun protection measures. Even in the later months, including May to July, the UV Index remains elevated—dropping slightly to 11–13 but still categorized as extreme. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to practice sun safety by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. Remember, even on overcast days, UV rays can still cause harm, so vigilance is key year-round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaliro | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 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 |