Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Mulanje, Malawi, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for your skin's health and overall well-being. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in a region where the tropical climate can elevate exposure risks. During peak hours, such as between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to levels as high as 9, emphasizing the need for protective strategies. By keeping an eye on these fluctuations, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding their skin from harmful sun rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle climb, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches 5, indicating a noticeable increase in UV exposure. The peak arrives at 11:00 with a robust 9, signaling the need for sun protection. A slight decline follows as the index dips to 8 at noon and continues to decrease through the afternoon, dropping to 2 by 15:00. By the time the clock strikes 18:00, the index falls to 0, indicating a safe period for outdoor activities without the worry of UV harm. Remember, safeguarding your skin is essential during those peak hours!
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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
15:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 exposure remains extremely high from January to April, with a UV Index consistently above 16, indicating a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. Even as spring transitions into early summer, UV levels remain very high from May to July, though burn times lengthen slightly to 15 minutes. The UV Index starts to fluctuate in August, indicating a shift back to extreme levels, with September and October displaying similar trends. November and December also reveal elevated UV levels, leaving those months at a 15 UV index, with a burn time of 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take diligent precautions from January through December, especially during high-risk months from January to April and August to November, by wearing protective clothing, using high-SPF sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure 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 |
Mulanje | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 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 |