Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Luanda, Angola, where the sun delivers potent rays, especially during the hottest hours of the day. With peak UV levels reaching 8 around noon, awareness of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. Exposure to high UV radiation can significantly increase the risk of skin damage and long-term health issues. Luanda's BSh climate, characterized by its warm, tropical conditions, enhances these risks, making it vital to stay informed and take protective measures against harmful UV exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, with a moderate value of 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, signaling a bit more caution for outdoor activities. The heat intensifies as the clock ticks, peaking at 12:00 PM with a notable 8, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this zenith, the index starts to decline, falling to 3 by 3:00 PM and dwindling further towards evening. By 6:00 PM, it drops to 0, bringing a welcome end to the day’s sun-soaked intensity. Planning your day? Make sure to take precautions during those peak hours!
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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
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 |