Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ntcheu, Malawi is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health under the blazing sun. With a climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, residents are exposed to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to 9—indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being aware of UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in reducing the long-term risk of skin cancer. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, such as using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, you can enjoy the sun safely while embracing the vibrant climate of Ntcheu.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the UV Index reaches its peak during midday, showcasing a striking pattern in the hourly data. Starting at a modest 1 by 07:00, it gradually escalates, hitting 2 by 08:00. The intensity continues to rise, peaking at a formidable 9 by both 11:00 and 12:00—a clear invitation to slather on the sunscreen! As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 7 at 13:00, and gently tapering off to 3 by 15:00. By late afternoon and into the evening, the UV threat recedes, plummeting to 1 at 16:00, and finally fading into 0 from 18:00 onward. This hourly journey underscores the importance of sun safety at its zenith!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
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 |