Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Kotido, Uganda, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against the sun's harmful rays. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for promoting overall skin health. With Kotido's Aw climate zone typically exposing residents to high UV levels—especially around midday when the index peaks at a staggering 12—it's vital to stay informed and take necessary precautions. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days while protecting yourself from the adverse effects of overexposure.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise and fall in intensity, making sun safety especially crucial during peak hours. Starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index climbs rapidly, hitting 3 by 09:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the UV Index peaks at an impressive 13 at 13:00—a clear indication of the need for proper sun protection. Following this peak, it begins to decline, dropping to 11 at 14:00 and then to 8 by 15:00. The afternoon brings a gentle easing, with the index falling to 2 by 17:00, before dropping to a minimal 0 after sunset. To enjoy the day while staying safe, be sure to seek shade and apply sunscreen during those high UV exposure 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels remain alarmingly high, consistently rated as extreme from January to May, with values peaking at 16 in February and March. The high-risk months for UV exposure are February, March, and April, where the UV Index is notably elevated, posing significant risks of sunburn in just 10 minutes of unprotected exposure. While UV levels slightly drop during the summer months, they still maintain a concerning level, hovering around 12 to 14 through to October. As such, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to prioritize sun protection by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen year-round, particularly from January through April when the risk is at its highest.
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 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 |
Kotido | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 |