Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Sumbe, Angola, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn. With the region's BSh climate, which experiences intense sunlight, awareness of daily UV levels helps residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions during the sun's peak hours. From the early morning to the afternoon, UV levels can surge to 8 — a level that significantly increases the risk of skin damage. By staying informed on these values, you can better protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful Angolan sun safely.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the intensity climbs sharply, reaching a notable 8 by noon. This midday sunshine brings about the highest UV exposure between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where the Index holds steady at 8. By 2:00 PM, the levels start to dip, falling to 6 at 2:00 PM, and noticeably lower by the afternoon. By 6:00 PM, the UV Index drops to 0, signaling a retreat of harmful rays as the day gives way to evening. Remember, during peak hours, wearing sunscreen and protective clothing is crucial to safeguard your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, peaking during the winter months and declining in the summer. Notably, January to April consistently sees extreme exposure, with UV Index values ranging from 13 to 15 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are thus characterized by these elevated readings, particularly in February. As we move into May and June, the index drops slightly to a very high class, allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. July marks the transition to a high risk period, yet the burn time increases to 25 minutes. As summer fades into autumn, August and September return to very high exposure, but with manageable burn times of 15 minutes. The year concludes with another extreme wave in October and November, each holding a UV Index of 14 and a burn time of 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution year-round, particularly during the extreme months, and consider protective measures such as sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding midday sun exposure to minimize risks associated with harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luanda UVI | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 |
| Sumbe | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 |
| Benguela UVI | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 |
| Lobito UVI | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 |
| N'dalatando UVI | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 14 |
| Huambo UVI | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 16 | 16 |