Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Lucapa, Angola, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. A higher UV index indicates a greater risk of harmful effects from unprotected sun exposure, which can lead to sunburn and long-term skin health issues. In Lucapa's Aw climate zone, basking in the sun feels pleasant, but it’s essential to be aware of the daily UV fluctuations. For instance, peak levels at 11:00 AM reach a high of 9, highlighting the need for effective sun protection strategies during the midday hours to safeguard your skin and enjoy the beautiful Angolan landscape without worry.
The UV Index today paints a clear picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting at 07:00, the UV Index is a mild 1, gradually increasing to a moderate 2 at 08:00. By 09:00, it swiftly climbs to a 5, signifying a moderate level of sun exposure risk. The sun reaches its peak intensity at 11:00 with a 9, prompting caution for outdoor activities. Following this peak, a gentle decline begins, with the index falling to 8 at noon and tapering off to 7 by 13:00. The afternoon sees a noticeable decrease, as the index drops to 5 at 14:00, and continues to fall to 3 at 15:00. As the day winds down, the UV Index drops further, reaching 1 by 16:00 and ultimately plummeting to 0 by 18:00. For anyone planning outdoor excursions, the morning and early afternoon are definitely the times to be sun-smart!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | 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 values significantly vary, with the highest levels occurring from January to April and then again in November, where indexes peak at 15, indicating an extreme exposure category and a burn time of just 10 minutes. The summer months of June, July, and August see a slight decrease to an index of 10-9, categorized as very high, allowing for a burn time increase to 15 minutes. Notably, high-risk months for sun exposure include January through April and November, where residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of UV damage. Overall, careful attention to UV levels is essential year-round, especially during these peak months.
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 |
| 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 |
| Lucapa | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 14 |
| Huambo UVI | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 16 | 16 |