Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Nkhata Bay, Malawi, where the Aw climate brings plenty of sunshine. Awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protects your skin health, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities safely. In Nkhata Bay, the UV Index peaks during midday, reaching as high as 9 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As you bask in the beautiful surroundings of this lakeside town, staying informed about UV levels can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Starting the day with a gentle UV Index of 1 at 07:00, the sun quickly gains strength. By 08:00, it rises to 3, signaling the need for some precaution. The real heat hits at 10:00 with a peak of 7, followed closely by a blistering 9 between 11:00 and 12:00—now’s the time for sunscreen and shade! As the afternoon rolls in, the index begins to dip, dropping to 3 by 15:00 and dwindling to 1 by 17:00. By 18:00 and 19:00, the UV Index plummets to 0, offering a safe sigh of relief as the sun sets. Stay protected and enjoy the sunshine responsibly!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index in this region remains consistently high throughout the year, with extreme levels ranging from 15 to 16 from January to April, and again in August through November. Particularly, January to April and August to November are considered high-risk months for UV exposure, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. From May to July, the index dips slightly but still poses significant risk, with burn times extending to 15 minutes in June and July. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade, particularly during these peak UV months to minimize the risk of 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 |
| Nkhata Bay | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 14 | 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 |