Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Mzimba, Malawi, where the sun shines brightly in a Cwa climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Awareness of UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburn but also plays a significant role in promoting overall skin health. With peak UV Index values reaching 12 around midday, it's essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about daily UV risks to safeguard their skin while enjoying the beautiful Malawian outdoors. The variation throughout the day signifies that while morning and late afternoon sun exposure may be relatively safe, midday presents substantial risks that can't be overlooked.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it noticeably increases to 3, signaling the need for some sun protection. The real intensity hits between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM when the index peaks at a striking 12, prompting everyone to seek shade and apply sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 10 at 1:00 PM, then tapering to 4 by 3:00 PM. The evening hours welcome a significant decrease, with the index falling to 1 by 4:00 PM and dropping to 0 by 6:00 PM, marking a safe end to sun exposure for the day. Always remember: knowing when to shield yourself from those harmful rays is key to enjoying your time outdoors!
| 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 | 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 | 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, the UV Index exhibits significant fluctuations, predominantly remaining in the extreme category from January to May, where the index peaks at 17 in February. High-risk months for sun exposure include January through April, where the burn time is notably short at just 10 minutes. The index starts to decline slightly during the summer months of June and July, categorized as very high with a burn time extending to 15 minutes, before rising again in August and remaining high into November. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, especially from January to April, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Mzimba | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 16 |