Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors of Mangochi, Malawi, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. With a tropical Aw climate, the region experiences significant UV exposure, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when levels can soar to 9, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health; knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen can make all the difference. Stay informed about the UV Index to ensure that your time in the sun is both enjoyable and safe!
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the UV Index reaches its peak during midday, showcasing a striking pattern in the hourly data. Starting at a modest 1 by 07:00, it gradually escalates, hitting 2 by 08:00. The intensity continues to rise, peaking at a formidable 9 by both 11:00 and 12:00—a clear invitation to slather on the sunscreen! As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 7 at 13:00, and gently tapering off to 3 by 15:00. By late afternoon and into the evening, the UV threat recedes, plummeting to 1 at 16:00, and finally fading into 0 from 18:00 onward. This hourly journey underscores the importance of sun safety at its zenith!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 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 |
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.
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 |
Mangochi | 17 | 16 | 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 |