UV Index in Machinga, Malawi

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Machinga, Malawi is essential for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With a climate classified as Aw, locals and visitors alike face varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at 9 between 11 AM and 12 PM. By being aware of daily UV levels, residents can take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and promote better skin health, especially during these high-risk hours. With Machinga enjoying abundant sunshine, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial to enjoying the outdoors while keeping your skin safe.

Hourly UV Index in Machinga

The UV Index for the day shows a striking increase in intensity, peaking between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a high of 9. Early morning hours are relatively mild, starting at 1 at 7:00 AM and gently rising to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index sharply escalates to 4 by 9:00 AM and reaches its pinnacle at 10:00 AM with 7. After its peak, the index begins to decline, dropping to 5 by 2:00 PM and further cooling off to 3 at 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the values diminish significantly as dusk approaches, with readings at 1 by 4:00 PM and eventually 0 by 6:00 PM. This daily pattern highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during those peak hours when UV exposure is at its highest.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	2	low	45 min
09:00	4	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	7	high	25 min
14:00	5	moderate	30 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Machinga

Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with extremely high levels observed from January to April and again in August, November, and December. The high-risk months for UV exposure occur primarily in the winter and early spring (January to April) and late fall (November and December), where the UV Index remains at its peak of 16-17, demanding only 10 minutes of burn time. During the late spring and summer months (May to July), the index drops slightly to 9-10, allowing for longer exposure times of 15 minutes but still categorized as very high. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these high UV months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize skin damage and other UV-related health issues.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Machinga, Malawi

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Machinga. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Machinga, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Machinga UV Index with Other Malawi Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Machinga compares to other major locations across Malawi. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Machinga's solar exposure compared to other cities in Malawi. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Machinga	17	16	16	13	10	9	9	11	13	13	15	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