Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Luanda, Angola, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the city's BSh climate which promises plenty of sunshine. Understanding UV levels is essential as they determine the intensity of harmful ultraviolet radiation, enabling residents and visitors to make informed decisions about sun protection. With peak UV Index values reaching 9 around midday, it’s vital to take precautions during these hours to avoid skin damage. Stay informed to enjoy Luanda’s beautiful sunny days while keeping your skin safe from the risks of overexposure!
The UV index throughout the day exhibits a dynamic rise and fall, reflecting the sun's intensity. At 07:00, the index starts low at 1, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 4, but excitement peaks at 12:00 with a striking 9, indicating a high risk for unprotected skin. The intensity tapers down after this noon pinnacle—falling to 8 at 13:00, then 6 at 14:00. As afternoon turns to evening, the index diminishes significantly, settling at 4 by 15:00, dropping to 2 at 16:00, and finally winding down to 1 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the index recedes completely, hitting 0 by 18:00, leaving a tranquil end to the day. Remember, during peak times, sun protection is crucial!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 |
The UV Index data reveals significant seasonal variations, with extreme levels persisting from January through April, where the Index consistently reaches 13 or 14, leading to a burn time of just 10 minutes. May sees a slight decrease to a very high level of 11, while June through September maintains very high ratings between 8 and 10, allowing for slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. The transition back to extreme levels occurs in October, and persists through November and December. Thus, the high-risk months for UV exposure are from January through April, and of particular note is that extended outdoor activities during these peak months can lead to rapid skin damage. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to mitigate the adverse effects of UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luanda | 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 |
| Huambo UVI | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 16 | 16 |