UV Index in Dowa, Malawi

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Dowa, Malawi, where the warm Cwa climate can lead to increased sun exposure. As UV levels climb, particularly around midday when they can reach highs of 9, being aware of these changes is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. Educating yourself about the UV Index not only helps you enjoy the beautiful sunny days safely but also enables you to take proactive measures against skin damage. With typical exposure risks looming during peak hours, staying informed is your best defense against the sun's harmful rays.

Hourly UV Index in Dowa

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!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Dowa

During the year, UV Index values exhibit notable variability, peaking with extreme levels in January (17), February (17), and declining through April (14) before leveling off at very high levels in June and July (9). The highest-risk months occur from January to April where the UV Index remains at extreme levels, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak UV hours. As the year transitions to late summer and fall, UV levels remain elevated, particularly in August and November (both at 15), necessitating continued vigilance against sun exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Dowa, Malawi

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Dowa. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Dowa, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Dowa UV Index with Other Malawi Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Dowa compares to other major locations across Malawi. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Dowa's solar exposure compared to other cities in Malawi. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Dowa	17	17	16	14	11	9	9	12	13	13	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