UV Index in Chipata, Zambia

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Chipata, Zambia, as it plays a significant role in safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's climate characterized as Cwa, offering both wet summers and dry winters, awareness of UV levels can help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities. During peak hours, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to as high as 9, indicating a risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful Zambian sun while protecting your skin from its potential risks.

Hourly UV Index in Chipata

The UV Index shows an engaging fluctuation throughout the day, starting from a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, perfect for early risers who enjoy a gentle sun. As the hours progress, the index climbs steadily, reaching its peak at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a striking 9, indicating intense exposure risk. Sun-seekers should take extra precautions during these hours. The intensity begins to wane by 3:00 PM, dropping to 3, and settles back down to 1 by 4:00 PM through 5:00 PM, eventually fading to 0 by 6:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during the midday hours when the sun is at its fiercest.

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	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	8	very high	15 min
14:00	6	high	25 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 Chipata

During the year, UV Index values exhibit notable variability, peaking with extreme levels in January (17), February (17), and declining through April (14) before leveling off at very high levels in June and July (9). The highest-risk months occur from January to April where the UV Index remains at extreme levels, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak UV hours. As the year transitions to late summer and fall, UV levels remain elevated, particularly in August and November (both at 15), necessitating continued vigilance against sun exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Chipata, Zambia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Chipata compares to other major locations across Zambia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Chipata's solar exposure compared to other cities in Zambia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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 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
Chipata	17	17	16	14	11	9	9	12	13	13	15	16