Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Dedza, Malawi, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn, reducing the risk of skin cancer, and promoting long-term skin well-being. With its Cwa climate, Dedza experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the UV Index peaks at 9. It’s essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and take proactive measures against the sun's harmful rays, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in this picturesque region.
The UV Index shows an engaging fluctuation throughout the day, starting from a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, perfect for early risers who enjoy a gentle sun. As the hours progress, the index climbs steadily, reaching its peak at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a striking 9, indicating intense exposure risk. Sun-seekers should take extra precautions during these hours. The intensity begins to wane by 3:00 PM, dropping to 3, and settles back down to 1 by 4:00 PM through 5:00 PM, eventually fading to 0 by 6:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during the midday hours when the sun is at its fiercest.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest values recorded during the first half of the year. From January to April, the UV Index remains at an extreme level of 17, indicating a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. May sees a slight decrease to an index of 11, still categorized as extreme, while June and July fall to a very high level of 9, extending burn time to 15 minutes. August and September return to an extreme index with values of 12 and 13, respectively, sustaining a burn time of 10 minutes. As the year closes, October and November show indices of 14 and 15, while December slightly dips to 16, maintaining the critical burn time of 10 minutes. Given this data, visitors and residents should exercise caution, especially during January through April and in August, when UV levels are at their peak. It is advisable to wear protective clothing, use high-SPF sunscreen, and limit direct sun exposure during these high-risk months to ensure skin safety.
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 |
| Dedza | 17 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| 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 |