Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ntcheu, Malawi, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With its Cwa climate, Ntcheu experiences a range of UV levels throughout the day, peaking at a high of 10 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Awareness of these UV levels is essential for prevention—knowing when to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen can help prevent painful sunburns and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. As you enjoy the Malawian sun, stay informed and prioritize your skin's health!
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of a sun-drenched day, starting with a mild 1 at 07:00 and rapidly escalating to its peak. As the sun climbs higher, 08:00 sees it at 3, but by 09:00, it spikes to a brisk 6. The heat really intensifies around 10:00, where it hits 9, and reaches its zenith with a 10 at both 11:00 and 12:00. After this peak, a gradual decline begins; by 13:00, it's at 9, then falls to 6 by 14:00. The afternoon cools off with values of 3 at 15:00 and then plummets back to 1 at 16:00 and 17:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops to 0 by 18:00, marking the end of a fascinating solar journey for the day. Be sure to enjoy the sunshine, but don’t forget your sunscreen during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with high-risk months occurring predominantly from January to April, where the index remains at extreme levels (17-13) and fans a consistent burn time of only 10 minutes. As the season transitions into late spring and summer, the UV Index slightly decreases to very high (10-9) in May to July, extending safe exposure time to 15 minutes. However, the potential for sunburn remains considerable. In late summer and fall, the UV Index returns to extreme levels in August, followed by a gradual decline towards winter, with abnormally high readings continuing into November. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as wearing UV-blocking clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure, especially during the peak months of January through April and August. Maintaining vigilance against UV exposure is essential year-round to ensure skin safety.
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 |
| Ntcheu | 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 |