UV Index in Gulu, Uganda

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Gulu, Uganda, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the sun's rays peaking at levels of 12 during midday, awareness of UV levels can play a pivotal role in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Gulu's tropical climate often exposes residents to heightened UV risks, particularly from late morning to early afternoon. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, locals and visitors alike can take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful Ugandan sun safely.

Hourly UV Index in Gulu

The UV Index throughout the day showcases a significant peak around midday, making for an intriguing observation of sunlight intensity. Starting at 07:00, the index remains low at 1, gradually rising to 3 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, we reach a notable 6 by 10:00 and surge to its maximum intensity of 11 at noon, a warning to take protective measures. The afternoon sees a brief plateau with 12 at 13:00, before tapering off to 11 at 14:00 and declining steadily to 5 by 16:00. By 17:00, the index drops to 2, and the sunlight wanes, bringing it back down to 1 by 18:00 and finally settling at 0 by 19:00. This hourly data serves as an important reminder to stay vigilant under the sun, especially during those peak 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	6	high	25 min
11:00	9	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Gulu

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 Gulu, Uganda

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Gulu 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.

Gulu'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	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