Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Zomba, Malawi, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. By monitoring UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and safeguard your skin health against long-term damage. With a climate characterized by warm temperatures and a notable risk of high UV exposure—especially during midday hours when the index peaks at 9—it's essential to stay informed and take precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely. Whether you're hiking in the scenic landscapes or simply enjoying a sunny day, being UV aware can make all the difference in keeping your skin protected.
As the sun rises, the UV Index steadily climbs, peaking at 9 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, indicating an elevated risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. With a notable increase at 9:00 AM to 5 and reaching 7 by 10:00 AM, it's clear that midday sun demands caution. However, as the afternoon wanes, the index drops to 5 at 2:00 PM, followed by a quick decline to 2 by 3:00 PM. By 4:00 PM, the index falls further to 1, and by sunset, it reaches 0, signaling a safe return outdoors without sun protection. Take note: during the hours of 11:00 to 12:00, it’s essential to seek shade and apply sunscreen to safeguard your skin from potential damage!
| 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 | 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 Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with high-risk months occurring predominantly from January to April, where the index remains at extreme levels (17-13) and fans a consistent burn time of only 10 minutes. As the season transitions into late spring and summer, the UV Index slightly decreases to very high (10-9) in May to July, extending safe exposure time to 15 minutes. However, the potential for sunburn remains considerable. In late summer and fall, the UV Index returns to extreme levels in August, followed by a gradual decline towards winter, with abnormally high readings continuing into November. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as wearing UV-blocking clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure, especially during the peak months of January through April and August. Maintaining vigilance against UV exposure is essential year-round to ensure skin safety.
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 | 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 |