Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kitwe, Zambia, is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With high UV levels peaking at 9 during midday hours, it's crucial for residents and visitors alike to be mindful of sun exposure. Kitwe's Cwa climate brings a distinct dry season, making awareness of UV radiation particularly important. By keeping track of these levels, you can enjoy the outdoors while taking necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a sharp rise and fall, highlighting the sun's intensity. At 07:00, it starts gentle at 1, but by 09:00, it climbs to 4, signaling a need for some sun protection. The real peak occurs between 11:00 and 13:00, reaching a noteworthy 9—a time when sun safety is crucial. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to drop to 7 by 14:00, before tapering off to 4 at 15:00. By 16:00, it further declines to 2, and the sun's impact wanes as evening approaches, hitting 1 at 17:00. By 18:00 and 19:00, it settles at 0, marking the end of the solar intensity for the day. Stay informed and protect your skin when the sun is at its strongest!
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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels display significant seasonal variations, with the highest readings occurring between January and April, where the index remains in the extreme category (ranging from 16 to 17) and a short burn time of just 10 minutes. May marks a slight decrease, but still maintains an extreme status with an index of 11. The summer months, June and July, show a decline to a very high level (index of 10 and 9), with a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes. As we progress into late summer and fall, the UV levels spike again in August and September, returning to the extreme category until November, when it again peaks at 15. Throughout these high-risk months, residents and visitors should take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours, to ensure safety against potential UV damage.
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 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Kabwe UVI | 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 |