Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Chitipa, Malawi, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding skin health and preventing sunburn. With the area's Cwb climate, residents and visitors face varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at an intense 11 between noon and 1 PM. Understanding these UV levels can empower you to take proactive steps against skin damage and enjoy the beauty of Chitipa's outdoors safely. Whether you're planning a hike, working in the garden, or simply soaking up the sun, awareness of the UV Index will help you protect your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of solar intensity, peaking sharply in the late morning. At 07:00, the UV Index starts off modestly at 1, but by 08:00, it climbs to 3, indicating a gradual increase in sunlight. As the day progresses, it reaches 5 at 09:00 and then escalates dramatically to 8 by 10:00. The sun's strength hits its zenith at 11:00 with a striking 10, peaking even further at 12:00, where it soars to 11—an optimal time for sun protection. After this high, the UV Index begins to wane, falling back to 10 at 13:00, before declining steadily to 4 at 15:00, 2 at 16:00, and eventually drifting down to 1 by 17:00. As dusk approaches, the UV Index drops to 0 by 18:00, signaling a safe end to sun exposure for the day. Such daily fluctuations highlight the importance of being mindful of UV levels, especially during midday hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | 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 |