Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Chipoka, Malawi is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. As sun exposure can lead to serious effects like sunburn and long-term skin damage, being informed about daily UV levels allows residents and visitors to take necessary precautions. Given Chipoka's Aw climate—characterized by warm temperatures and considerable sun exposure during the day—awareness of UV risks is particularly important. For instance, during peak hours around 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the UV Index reaches a high of 9, signaling a need for effective sun protection measures. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the beautiful Malawian sun responsibly!
The UV Index for today showcases a striking peak between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it reaches a high of 9, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index begins to taper off, transitioning to a 5 at 2:00 PM and then dropping further to 3 by 3:00 PM. The late afternoon brings a noticeable decline, finishing off with 1 at 4:00 PM and fading to 0 after 6:00 PM. If you're planning outdoor activities, the optimal time to soak up the sun safely is definitely before noon! Don’t forget your sunscreen during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | 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 levels vary significantly, indicating periods of higher risk for skin damage. The high-risk months are predominantly from January to April, during which the UV Index consistently hovers around 16 to 17 with an extreme exposure category, allowing for a burn time of just 10 minutes. Even as spring transitions into summer, May still presents a high risk with a UV Index of 11. The summer months of June and July see a slight decrease to a UV Index of 9, categorized as very high, while August jumps back to 11 as extreme once again. As the year progresses, September through November returns to extreme levels, particularly noted in November with a UV Index of 15. Residents and visitors should exercise caution during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting direct sun exposure during peak hours to avoid harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blantyre UVI | 17 | 17 | 16 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| Zomba UVI | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Chipoka | 17 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Lilongwe UVI | 17 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| Mzuzu UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Kasungu UVI | 16 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 16 |