Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Kabwe, Zambia, where the climate is characterized as Cwa, with distinct wet and dry seasons. As the sun's rays can be intense, particularly during the midday hours, being aware of UV levels can significantly impact your health. This helps prevent sunburn and contributes to long-term skin health by encouraging appropriate sun protection measures. During peak hours, the UV Index can reach as high as 11, signaling extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As Kabwe enjoys plentiful sunshine, staying informed about daily UV levels is essential for safeguarding your well-being while enjoying the outdoors.
The UV Index for the day presents a clear peak around midday, reaching its maximum at 12:00 PM with a formidable level of 11. As the sun rises, the UV levels gradually increase from 1 at 7:00 AM, reaching 5 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the index escalates to a 7, quickly climbing to 10 at 11:00 AM and peaking at 11 at noon, advising everyone to take necessary precautions. Following this zenith, the intensity diminishes, dropping to 7 by 2:00 PM, then gently tapering off to 4 in the mid-afternoon and returning to 1 by 5:00 PM. By evening, the UV exposure wanes completely, hitting 0 at 6:00 PM. It’s a clear reminder that while the sun is shining bright, vigilance against UV radiation is crucial during 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, remaining at extreme levels (above 11) from January to May and again from August to November, making these high-risk months for sun exposure. In particular, January to April has a consistent UV Index of 17-15, signifying a burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, the UV level decreases to 9 from June to July, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, it rises again in August, ramping back to dangerous levels. In the transitioning months of September and October, the UV Index stays notably high, leading to a burn time of only 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take strong precautions year-round, especially during these high-risk months—wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade can greatly mitigate UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lusaka UVI | 17 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 16 |
| Chingola UVI | 16 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Kitwe UVI | 16 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| Kabwe | 17 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| Ndola UVI | 16 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |