Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Isoka, Zambia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels throughout the day can help you avoid sunburn, which is not only painful but can also lead to long-term skin damage. With a Cwa climate that features warm summers and cooler winters, Isoka experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during midday when levels peak at 10. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can take necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely.
Throughout the day, the UV Index exhibits a distinct peak just before noon. Starting off at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it rises steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it jumps to 5, and then it surges to an impressive 10 at both 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a high level of sun exposure risk. As the afternoon unfolds, the readings dip to 9 at 1:00 PM and subsequently decline further to 6 at 2:00 PM. By 3:00 PM, it drops to 3, and the day winds down with values of 1 at 4:00 and 5:00 PM, before fading to 0 by 6:00 PM and beyond. For optimal sun safety, keep to the shade as the sun peaks!
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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest values occurring in the winter and early spring months. January to April consistently show extreme levels, peaking at 17 in February and maintaining a UV Index of 16 to 15, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into June and July, the index drops slightly to 10 but stays in the very high exposure category, allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. Subsequently, August and September see a return to extreme categories, where the UV Index averages around 12 to 13. Notably, November and December maintain extreme levels again, emphasizing caution. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant from January to April and again in August and September, taking precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize 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 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 |
Isoka | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 15 |