Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mponela, Malawi is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health against harmful sun exposure. With high UV levels, particularly around midday when readings soar to 10, recognizing the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage becomes crucial for residents and visitors alike. Mponela's Cwa climate not only brings ample sunshine but also presents significant UV exposure risks, especially during the hottest hours of the day. By staying informed about the UV Index and protecting yourself accordingly, you can enjoy Mponela's beautiful weather while keeping your skin safe.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a dynamic pattern of sun exposure. Starting at a low of 1 at 07:00, it gently rises to 2 by 08:00. As the morning progresses, the intensity increases more noticeably, peaking at a striking 10 at 12:00, marking the highest level of sun strength. From there, the index begins its descent, falling to 8 at 13:00 and tapering off to 6 by 14:00. The afternoon witnesses a further decline, with values dropping to 3 at 15:00 and easing to 1 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the index finally drops to 0 at 18:00 and remains insignificant through the evening hours. This data highlights the importance of protecting your skin during peak hours, especially from 10:00 to 14:00, when the UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 10 | 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 |