Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Chitipa, Malawi, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Cwb climate, which is characterized by mild temperatures and significant sun exposure, it's essential to stay informed about UV levels throughout the day. For instance, during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By being aware of these levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and your family, ensuring enjoyable time outdoors without compromising skin health.
From sunrise to sunset, the UV Index tells a compelling story of the day's sun. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00, the UV levels gradually rise, peaking at an intense 10 by 11:00 and 12:00. This signifies a critical window for sun safety, as exposure during these hours demands caution. Just after noon, the index begins to decline, slipping to 9 at 13:00 and further down to 6 by 14:00. As the evening approaches, the numbers diminish swiftly to 4 at 15:00, and finally taper off to a relaxing 1 by 17:00, with complete relief from UV exposure by 19:00 when it hits 0. It's clear that being sun-smart is essential especially during the midday peak!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | 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 |