UV Index in Lilongwe, Malawi

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Lilongwe, Malawi is essential for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With the likelihood of sunburn and long-term skin health conditions escalating as UV levels rise, staying informed about daily fluctuations is crucial. Lilongwe's Cwa climate, characterized by a mix of wet and dry seasons, can lead to higher UV exposure, especially during peak hours around 11 AM and 12 PM when the index reaches 9. By being aware of the daily UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the sun safely.

Hourly UV Index in Lilongwe

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 Lilongwe

The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with extreme levels persisting from January through April and returning in August, September, October, and November. The highest UV Index readings occur consistently in the first four months of the year, peaking at 17, which corresponds to a burn time of just 10 minutes. The month of June sees a slight decline to 9, followed by 10 in July, before rising again in late summer and fall. High-risk months include January through April and August through November, where prolonged sun exposure can be particularly harmful. To safeguard health, both visitors and residents should take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, especially during these high-risk periods.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Lilongwe, Malawi

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Lilongwe. 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 Lilongwe, 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 Lilongwe UV Index with Other Malawi Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Lilongwe 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.

Lilongwe'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
Lilongwe	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