Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Mponela, Malawi, where the Cwa climate brings both warmth and heightened sun exposure risks. As the sun climbs higher, UV levels can soar, reaching a maximum of 9 around noon, making it essential to be aware of these fluctuations to protect against sunburn and long-term skin health issues. With such pronounced UV intensity, staying informed allows you to make proactive decisions—whether it’s applying sunscreen, seeking shade, or scheduling outdoor activities for safer times of the day. Prioritize your skin and safety by monitoring the UV Index in Mponela.
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 |
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 |