Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Luangwa, Zambia, as it plays a significant role in safeguarding your skin from harmful UV radiation. High UV levels, particularly during the midday hours, increase the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, making awareness essential for enjoying the sun safely. Luangwa's BSh climate means plenty of sunshine year-round, with UV Index values peaking at 9 around noon, which can lead to serious exposure risks. Stay informed and protect your skin by checking the UV Index regularly—your health will thank you!
The UV Index data for today reveals a steady climb in ultraviolet exposure as the sun rises. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, the index escalates to 2 by 08:00, before witnessing a significant jump to 4 at 09:00. The peak occurs around 12:00, where it reaches 9—a strong signal to take protective measures against sun damage. After this midday high, the UV Index begins to drop, descending to 6 at 14:00, before dwindling further to 3 by 15:00. The evening hours bring a dramatic decline, with 1 at 16:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 13:00.
| 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 | 8 | 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 throughout the year indicates significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels observed from January to April, where values peak at 17 in January. This period falls into the extreme exposure category, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following this, the UV levels remain notably high but slightly decrease, with values around 10 to 12 from May to October, categorized as very high or extreme. The high-risk months for UV exposure include January through April, with February and March seeing particularly high indices of 16 and 14 respectively. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to reduce the risk of UV damage. While the risk remains elevated through the summer months of May to August, the burn time extends to 15 minutes, requiring continued vigilance. Remember, UV rays can cause serious skin damage, so proactivity is crucial year-round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luangwa | 17 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| 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 |