Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Petauke, Zambia, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With the region's Aw climate, local residents and visitors face varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day, particularly peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the UV Index reaches a high of 9. Understanding these UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for safeguarding against long-term skin damage. With the sun's intensity in Petauke, taking precautions during the highest UV exposure times can help ensure a safer and healthier outdoor experience.
The UV Index throughout the day demonstrates a distinct peak during the midday hours, reaching its maximum of 9 at 11:00 AM and again at 12:00 PM. As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 4 by 9:00 AM. However, once the clock strikes 10:00 AM, the intensity escalates sharply to 7 before hitting its zenith. Following this, there is a slight tapering off in the afternoon hours, with values nearing 6 at 2:00 PM and gradually decreasing to 3 by 3:00 PM. As daylight wanes, the UV Index plummets, dropping to 1 by 4:00 PM and finally settling at 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling an end to the sun's powerful rays for the day. This data emphasizes the importance of sun protection, especially during those peak hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
| 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 | 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 |
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 |
| Petauke | 17 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 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 |