Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Lavumisa, Eswatini, where the climate's warm conditions can significantly influence daily sun exposure. With UV levels peaking around 10 AM to 1 PM, awareness of these changes is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. As a Cfa climate zone, Lavumisa experiences high UV radiation, particularly during sunny days, making it vital for locals to stay informed to safeguard themselves against potential skin damage. By staying updated on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely and maintain your well-being.
The UV Index for the day showcases a clear peak during the midday hours, rising from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it reaches 2, but the real intensity hits at 10:00, soaring to 4. The maximum exposure occurs around 11:00 and 12:00, both maintaining a 5 on the scale, urging sun-seekers to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently declines to 4 at 13:00, then dips further to 3 by 14:00. By the time the clock strikes 15:00, it drops to 2, and the evening sets in with a comfortable 1 at 16:00. After 17:00, the UV Index drops to 0, signaling a safe end to sun-related activities.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, with extreme levels dominating the winter months from January to March, where the burn time is just 10 minutes. Following this, April sees a decrease to a very high level (UV Index 9) with a burn time of 15 minutes, while May's UV Index drops further to 7 (high) with a longer burn time of 25 minutes. As summer rolls in, June and July maintain a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for 30 minutes of safe sun exposure. However, the UV levels ramp back up in August and September to very high (8 and 9 respectively), shortening burn times again to 15 minutes. The autumn months of October and November revert back to extreme indices of 12 and 13, with burn times returning to 10 minutes. December concludes the year with a UV Index of 14, emphasizing the need for vigilance year-round. Visitors and residents should remain aware of these high-risk months, particularly from January to March and in October and November, advising them to take appropriate sun protection measures, including wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing when outdoors, regardless of the season.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lavumisa | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| Big Bend UVI | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| Manzini UVI | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| Nhlangano UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 15 |
| Malkerns UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 15 |
| Mbabane UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 15 |