Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Bushenyi, Uganda, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. Bushenyi experiences a typical Aw climate, which means that during certain times of the day, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, UV exposure can reach dangerously high levels, with indices peaking as high as 12. Staying informed about the UV Index empowers you to enjoy the sunny days safely while minimizing the risks associated with sun exposure.
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!
| 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently extreme, particularly during the peak months of January, February, March, and April, where it reaches a high of 16. This indicates that visitors and residents should take immediate precautions to protect their skin, as the burn time is only 10 minutes across these months. Although the UV Index slightly decreases in the summer months of June and July to 12, it remains in the extreme exposure category. August and September see a slight uptick, followed by a gradual decline as we head into the fall and winter months, with a UV Index of 12 for November and December. Nonetheless, given the consistently high levels throughout the year, it is crucial for everyone to prioritize sunscreen application, wear protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during high UV hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to minimize the risks of skin damage.
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 |
| Bushenyi | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 |