UV index for Kampala peaks at UV 9 at 13:00 local time. Data as of (Africa/Kampala). Values update hourly — see this page for the current reading and hourly forecast.

uvi·today

UV Index in Kampala

Live UV index for Kampala, Uganda — current level, hourly UV forecast, peak times, WHO sun protection advice and a 4-day outlook. Now: UV 7 (High). Peak today: UV 9 at 13:00.

Now · 11:00 · Kampala
7
High
0–2Low3–5Moderate6–7High8–10Very High11+Extreme

Sun protection needed today: 09:00–17:00

Protection guidelines:

Now · 11:00 — UV 7 · High · Clear sky: 11

  • Seek shade during midday hours
  • Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat
  • Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
Values are forecasts from the European CAMS model (Copernicus), not measurements from a sensor in Kampala. WHO · Methodology
Today's UV overview · Fri, Oct 16
1
8Partly cloudy21°86%1
3
9Overcast22°76%3
5
10Overcast23°75%4
7
11Overcast24°72%4
9
12Overcast24°72%4
9
13Overcast25°68%4
8
14Overcast26°64%4
6
15Overcast26°61%4
3
16Overcast26°59%3
1
17Overcast26°59%3
% HumidityWind m/s
Max today
9at 13:00
Max tomorrow
8at 11:00
Daylight today
12h 06m06:32–18:38
Solar noon
12:35

Sun & moon in Kampala

Sun height72°
Sun directionSE 122°
Sky stateDaylight
-90°-60°-30°0°30°60°90°00:0006:0012:0018:0024:00Now 72°

The curve traces the sun's height above the horizon through the day: 0° is the horizon, 90° is straight overhead. The higher the sun climbs, the shorter the path its rays take through the atmosphere — and the stronger the UV. The part below 0° is night.

Sunrise / sunset directionE 99° / W 261°
Civil twilight06:11–06:32 / 18:38–18:59
Nautical twilight05:46–06:11 / 18:59–19:23
Astronomical twilight05:22–05:46 / 19:23–19:47
Moon phaseWaxing crescent · 29%
Moonrise / moonset11:00 / 23:23
Next moon quarterFirst quarter · Oct 18, 19:13

Detailed hourly UV index — Today, Oct 16

Peak UV 8.9 at 13:00 · Kampala · Local time (GMT+3)

The solid line is the hourly UV forecast: the UV index expected each hour, with cloud cover taken into account. The dashed line is the clear-sky UV, the level it would reach under a cloudless sky. The gap between the two lines shows how much the clouds are lowering the UV.

04812Max: 9Now: 76:0021°9:0022°12:0024°15:0026°18:0025°21:0023°
ForecastClear sky

Detailed hourly UV index — Tomorrow, Oct 17

Peak UV 7.8 at 11:00 · Kampala · Local time (GMT+3)

04812Max: 86:0019°9:0021°12:0023°15:0026°18:0024°21:0023°
ForecastClear sky
Hour-by-hour UV index for today & tomorrow

Detailed hour-by-hour UV index forecast for Kampala — today and tomorrow. Includes UV level, clear-sky UV, weather conditions, and temperature for each hour.

Today — Oct 16

HourUVClear skyWeather
05:000.0 – Low0.0Light rain showers21°
06:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast21°
07:000.1 – Low0.2Overcast21°
08:000.9 – Low1.3Partly cloudy21°
09:002.6 – Moderate3.8Overcast22°
10:005.1 – Moderate7.3Overcast23°
11:007.4 – High10.7Overcast24°
12:008.6 – Very High12.6Overcast24°
13:008.9 – Very High12.6Overcast25°
14:008.2 – Very High10.4Overcast26°
15:005.8 – High7.0Overcast26°
16:003.1 – Moderate3.6Overcast26°
17:001.1 – Low1.2Overcast26°
18:000.1 – Low0.2Overcast25°
19:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast24°
20:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast23°
21:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast23°

Tomorrow — Oct 17

HourUVClear skyWeather
05:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast19°
06:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast19°
07:000.1 – Low0.2Thunderstorm19°
08:000.9 – Low1.2Thunderstorm20°
09:003.1 – Moderate3.6Thunderstorm21°
10:004.7 – Moderate7.1Thunderstorm21°
11:007.8 – Very High10.5Thunderstorm22°
12:007.8 – Very High12.5Thunderstorm23°
13:006.6 – High12.5Light rain showers24°
14:006.6 – High10.5Overcast25°
15:004.9 – Moderate7.0Overcast26°
16:002.2 – Low3.5Overcast26°
17:000.8 – Low1.1Overcast26°
18:000.1 – Low0.2Thunderstorm24°
19:000.0 – Low0.0Thunderstorm23°
20:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast23°
21:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast23°

4-Day UV Forecast for Kampala

The 4-day UV index forecast shows each day's peak UV and the time it's reached, plus daily high and low temperatures and an hourly UV curve, so you can plan sun protection for the days ahead.

Today, Oct 16Peak UV 9 at 13:00Sun protection: 09:00–17:0026° / 21°
6Overcast21°9Overcast22°12Overcast24°15Overcast26°18Overcast25°
Saturday, Oct 17Peak UV 8 at 11:00Sun protection: 09:00–16:0026° / 19°
6Overcast19°9Thunderstorm21°12Thunderstorm23°15Overcast26°18Thunderstorm24°
Sunday, Oct 18Peak UV 12 at 12:00Sun protection: 09:00–17:0025° / 18°
6Fog18°9Overcast22°12Light rain showers25°15Light rain showers25°18Overcast25°
Monday, Oct 19Peak UV 10 at 11:00Sun protection: 09:00–17:0027° / 20°
6Light rain showers20°9Thunderstorm22°12Overcast25°15Overcast27°18Overcast26°

Peak midday UV by month in Kampala

It's October: on clear days, the midday sun here usually peaks around UV 13–15. That's very intense: around midday you need shade, covering clothes and sunscreen.

The sun is strong here all year round: even in the mildest months, midday UV reaches about 12, so protection is needed in every season. Treat these numbers as the most sun you should expect around noon: clouds typically lower the real value, while reflections from snow, sand or water can add to the UV your skin actually receives. Today's actual UV is in the forecast above.

36811141712–15Jan14–16Feb14–16Mar13–15Apr11–14May11–12Jun11–13Jul12–14Aug13–15Sep13–15Oct12–15Nov12–14Dec

Each bar shows the range the midday UV index moves through on clear days in that month, from the gentlest days up to what the strongest days typically reach, based on 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). The small light line inside a bar is an ordinary day's midday level.

Based on TEMIS data. Copyright © KNMI/ESA — https://www.temis.nl/

In October the strong sun is in the southern hemisphere: UV reaches high levels across most of it, while the northern hemisphere outside the tropics has its mild season.

See the world map for October →

The UV year at a glance

Strongest sunFeb–Mar · up to 16
Weakest sunJun · up to 12
Protection needed (UV 3+)all year
Extra protection (UV 8+)all year

Months when the midday sun gets strong enough to need protection. Based on clear days; clouds typically lower UV.

See also: Kampala temperature and rainfall by month →

UV in Kampala: today, tomorrow and through the year

Right now the UV index in Kampala is 7 (high), on a day that peaks at 9 (very high), so it's worth staying covered until 17:00. Patchy cloud is holding the peak down a little, against UV 13 under clear skies.UV backs down tomorrow, peaking near UV 8 (very high) around 11:00, but the hours from 09:00 to 16:00 still call for protection. Sunnier days with stronger UV are on the way later in the week.Few months in Kampala are stronger than October. Its strongest days reach about UV 15, while the quietest months of the year still hold around UV 12.

Location, daylight and sky in Kampala

Key facts

CountryUganda, Central Region
TimezoneAfrica/Kampala (UTC+3)
Coordinates0.32° N, 32.58° E
Elevation1238 m
Population≈ 1.68M
Air pressurebarometer.today

Sun & Daylight Hours in Kampala

Sunrise / sunset06:32 / 18:38
Daylight today12h 06m
Daylight tomorrow12h 06m (±0 min)
Solar noon (sun highest)12:35
Golden hour18:10–18:51
Low UV hours (UV < 3)06:00–09:00
17:00–18:00
High UV window (UV ≥ 3)09:00–17:00

Seasonal daylight range at this latitude

Longest day12h 08m (Jun 21)
Shortest day12h 06m (Dec 21)

Similar daylight hours as Singapore, Singapore — on the same parallel

UV index map for Kampala and nearby cities

This map shows the current UV forecast for Kampala and the area around it. One forecast value covers a region of roughly 40 km, so it is a good guide for the area as a whole rather than an exact reading for one spot. In places with big height differences, or where the ground is covered by snow, the real UV can differ from what the map shows.

Check UV in: Kajansi · Masaka · Lugazi · Kira · Kyengera

Air quality concerns? Check air quality in Kampala on AirIndex.Today

What is the UV index in Kampala right now?

As of 11:00 local time, the UV index in Kampala is 7 (High). UV changes hour by hour. See the hourly chart above for how it rises and falls today.

What is the UV index in Kampala today?

On 2026-10-16, the peak UV index forecast for Kampala is 9, expected around 13:00 local time. Check back daily: UV levels change with cloud cover, ozone, and sun angle. Kampala sits at 1238 m elevation, where UV radiation is stronger than at sea level (roughly +10% per 1,000 m).

What is the UV index in Kampala tomorrow?

On 2026-10-17, the UV index in Kampala is forecast to peak at 8 around 11:00 local time. Plan outdoor activities and sun protection around that peak.

What are typical maximum UV levels in Kampala by month?

Peak midday UV index in Kampala, month by month
MonthPeak midday UV
January12–15
February14–16
March14–16
April13–15
May11–14
June11–12
July11–13
August12–14
September13–15
October13–15
November12–15
December12–14
There is no real UV season in Kampala: midday levels stay in a similar range all year, from about 12 at the quietest, in June, to about 16 in March. Month by month: January (12–15), February (14–16), March (14–16), April (13–15), May (11–14), June (11–12), July (11–13), August (12–14), September (13–15), October (13–15), November (12–15), and December (12–14).Clear-sky range, 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). On cloudy days values are typically lower.

How strong is UV in Kampala in October?

In a typical October, the midday UV index in Kampala reaches 13–15 on clear days, based on 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). Cloudy days typically run lower. Check the live forecast for today's value.

Which months have the highest UV in Kampala?

UV in Kampala is highest in February–March, when the midday index reaches up to 16 on clear days. The weakest sun is in June, around 11–12 at midday.

When do you need sun protection in Kampala?

All year round: midday UV in Kampala reaches 3 or higher (the WHO protection level) in every month. In every month it can reach UV 8 or more. The WHO then advises extra protection: avoid the midday sun and cover up.

Forecast · UV Index

Now
UV 7.4 (High)
Max today
UV 8.9 · 13:00
Max tomorrow
UV 7.8 · 11:00
Clear sky
UV 12.6
Sunrise / Sunset
06:32 / 18:38
High UV window (UV ≥ 3)
09:00–17:00
4-Day UV Forecast
Fri 8.9 · Sat 7.8 · Sun 11.8 · Mon 9.5
About the UV Index

What is the UV index?

The UV index (UVI) is an international standard measure of the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun at a particular place and time. It ranges from 0 (nighttime) to 11+ (extreme). Higher values mean greater risk of sunburn, skin damage, and eye injury. The UV index was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to help people protect themselves from harmful UV radiation.

How do I check the UV index today?

This page shows the live UV index for your location using data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). You get the current UV level, an hourly UV forecast chart for today and tomorrow, and the exact peak UV time — so you always know when sun protection is most important.

When is UV radiation strongest?

UV radiation is typically strongest between 10:00 and 16:00, when the sun is highest in the sky. However, the exact peak time and intensity depend on your latitude, the season, altitude, cloud cover, and ozone levels. Check the UV forecast chart above to see today's exact peak time for your location.

How can I protect myself from UV radiation?

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade during peak UV hours, and wear UV-blocking sunglasses. The WHO recommends sun protection when the UV index is 3 or above.

Where does the UV data come from?

The hourly UV index on this site comes from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), operated by ECMWF on behalf of the European Union. CAMS calculates the UV biologically effective dose using total column ozone, aerosol optical depth, and cloud cover. The global forecast has a spatial resolution of approximately 40 km and provides hourly UV index values for up to 5 days ahead.

What does "clear-sky UV index" mean?

The clear-sky UV index shows how strong ultraviolet radiation would be if there were no clouds at all. It is calculated using the same atmospheric data — ozone column thickness, aerosol concentrations, and solar angle — but assumes completely cloudless conditions. Comparing the actual UV index with the clear-sky value shows how much clouds are reducing UV exposure at any given time. On overcast days, actual UV can be significantly lower than the clear-sky value.

How often is the UV forecast updated?

The CAMS global UV forecast is updated twice daily, based on model runs initialized at 00:00 and 12:00 UTC. Weather data such as temperature, cloud cover, and sunrise/sunset times is updated every 1–6 hours depending on the region, using weather models from national meteorological services via Open-Meteo. The first 1–2 days of the forecast are typically the most accurate.

What does the WHO recommend for each UV level?

Low (0–2) — No protection needed. You can safely enjoy being outside
Moderate (3–5) — Seek shade during midday hours. Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
High (6–7) — Seek shade during midday hours. Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
Very High (8–10) — Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade. Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must
Extreme (11+) — Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade. Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must

Source: WHO Global Solar UV Index, 2002