Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Chitipa, Malawi, being aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the Cwb climate characterized by warm temperatures and high altitude, the risk of UV exposure can be significant, especially during peak hours when the index reaches as high as 12. Understanding these UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin from long-term damage. As you navigate Chitipa’s sunny days, staying informed about UV risks will help you enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing potential health issues.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to a moderate 3 by 08:00. The intensity peaks sharply at 10:00, reaching a maximum of 12 at 11:00 and 12:00, indicating a time when sun exposure can be especially harmful without protection. As the afternoon follows, UV levels drop to 10 at 13:00, then steadily decline to 7 at 14:00 and taper off to 4 by 15:00. In the late afternoon and evening, the index continues to diminish, falling to 2 at 16:00, and finally to 1 by 17:00, before resting at 0 from 18:00 onward. This hourly data highlights the importance of seeking shade and wearing sunscreen during the peak UV hours of the day.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits extreme levels from January through April, with values consistently around 16-17, and a critical burn time of just 10 minutes during this period. As the seasons transition into summer, May sees a slight decrease to 12, categorized as extreme, but remains a high-risk month for skin exposure. The very high UV Index of 10 in June marks the beginning of a brief respite in intensity, extending into July and August, which both experience extreme levels again at 11 and 13, respectively. September and October maintain a high UV Index of 13-14, continuing the pattern of extreme exposure until it tapers off in November and December, which also present high values of 14-15. Residents and visitors alike should exercise caution and sun safety measures throughout the year, particularly during high-risk months like January to April and again from July to October, ensuring adequate sunscreen application, protective clothing, and limited sun exposure to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Chitipa | 16 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 |