Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Mponela, Malawi, where the subtropical climate can expose you to significant levels of ultraviolet radiation. With peak UV Index readings often soaring to 11 during midday, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. As you enjoy the warm, sunny days typical of Mponela, recognizing the risks associated with high UV exposure can help you take necessary precautions, ensuring that your outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable. Stay informed and keep your skin safe under the Malawian sun!
As the sun rises, the UV Index climbs steadily, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 3, marking the beginning of increased sun exposure. The day continues to heat up, with the index peaking at a remarkable 11 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon sets in, it gradually declines, dropping to 6 by 2:00 PM and subsequently to 3 by 3:00 PM. As the sun begins to descend, the index returns to a safer 1 by 4:00 PM and tapers off to 0 after 6:00 PM. This hourly trend underscores the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when the UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index in the region shows significant seasonal variations, remaining predominantly high. The months of January through April consistently have an extreme UV Index, peaking at 17 in both January and February, with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. While May sees a slight decrease to an index of 11, June and July transition into a very high category with indices of 9 and 10, respectively, allowing for a modest increase in burn time to 15 minutes. As we move into late summer and autumn, the UV Index rises again, especially in August with an index of 12. September through November remains critical for sun exposure, all categorized as extreme, with burn times returning to 10 minutes. Visitors and residents alike should exercise caution, particularly during high-risk months from January to April and again in August, ensuring they take protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| 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 |
| Mponela | 17 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 16 |