UV Index in Thyolo, Malawi

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Thyolo, Malawi is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health against the sun's harmful rays. With its Aw climate characterized by warm temperatures and strong sunlight, residents and visitors alike face varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day. Knowing the UV index is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns, but also for minimizing long-term skin damage. For instance, during peak hours in Thyolo—between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM—the UV index can soar to 9, indicating a high risk for harm. Stay informed and protect yourself by understanding these UV levels!

Hourly UV Index in Thyolo

As the day unfolds, the UV Index experiences a notable rise, peaking at 9 during the noon hour. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it escalates steadily, reaching 7 by 10:00 AM and 8 by 11:00 AM. The intensity continues to surge, hitting its zenith of 9 at 12:00 PM, before gradually tapering off in the afternoon. By 3:00 PM, it dips to 3, and as the sun begins to set, the index drops to a low 0 by 7:00 PM, signifying a swift decline in UV radiation. This pattern underscores the importance of sun safety during the peak hours of 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, when UV exposure is at its highest. Stay protected and enjoy the sun wisely!

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	8	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 Thyolo

The UV Index throughout the year indicates that January through April presents an extreme exposure risk with values consistently between 16 and 17, posing a 10-minute burn time. Following this, May to July sees a shift to a very high risk, with the UV Index dropping gradually to 8-10, allowing slightly longer exposures of 15 minutes. August to October returns to extreme levels, requiring caution with a 10-minute burn time reflected by indexes of 11-12. Notably, November and December maintain high risks, with UV levels at 14-15 and a consistent 10-minute burn time. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant, seeking shade and applying sunscreen during high-risk months, especially from January to April and August to October.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Thyolo, Malawi

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Thyolo. 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 Thyolo, 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 Thyolo UV Index with Other Malawi Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Thyolo 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.

Thyolo'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
Thyolo	17	17	16	13	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