Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors to Mbarara, Uganda, as it provides vital information about the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. High UV levels can lead to sunburns, skin damage, and increase the risk of skin cancer. In this tropical climate, known for its warm temperatures and ample sunshine, being aware of daily UV fluctuations is imperative for maintaining skin health and enjoying outdoor activities safely. With UV levels peaking at a significant 12 around midday, it's essential to take precautions—like seeking shade or applying sunscreen—to protect yourself while exploring all that Mbarara has to offer.
Today’s UV index shows an early morning of low exposure, starting at a safe 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. However, as the sun rises, the index sharply climbs, hitting 3 by 09:00 and reaching a peak of 12 by 13:00, signifying a high risk period for sun exposure. The intensity begins to decline in the afternoon, dropping to 8 at 15:00 and down to 1 by 18:00, before finally settling at a 0 by 19:00. If you're planning to be outdoors today, it's vital to take precautions between 10:00 and 14:00 when the UV levels are at their most intense. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 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 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.
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 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 |