Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Kakumiro, Uganda, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's Af climate, characterized by warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, understanding UV levels is essential to prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to levels that demand caution, reaching a maximum of 12. By familiarizing yourself with these daily fluctuations, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely, ensuring your outdoor activities remain both enjoyable and health-conscious.
The UV Index today presents a dynamic journey through the hours, starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity increases significantly, peaking at an impressive 12 between 13:00 and 14:00—a perfect reminder to stay protected with sunscreen and shades during those hours. Following this midday surge of 11 at 12:00 and a slight decline to 8 at 15:00, the UV exposure gradually tapers off. As evening approaches, the index drops back down to 1 by 18:00 and finally resting at a safe 0 by 19:00. It's a clear indicator that while midday sun brings the most UV intensity, caution during those peak hours is paramount!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences consistently high levels throughout the year, peaking from January to April with values ranging from 14 to 16, categorizing these months as extreme risk for skin damage, where a mere 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure can lead to burns. While the index slightly decreases during the summer months of June and July to 12, the high-risk designation remains due to the persistent threat of UV radiation. Even in the fall and winter months, the UV Index does not drop below 12, maintaining an extreme exposure category. It’s vital for both residents and visitors to prioritize sun protection, particularly from January through April. Use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and ensuring limit exposure during peak hours are strongly advised to mitigate health risks associated with prolonged sun 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 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 |
| Kakumiro | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| Mbarara UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 |