Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Kabompo, Zambia, where the sun’s rays can vary significantly throughout the day. Awareness of UV levels is not just about preventing sunburn; it plays a vital role in protecting your skin health and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Given Kabompo's Cwa climate, known for hot summers and mild winters, residents must take precautions during peak UV hours—especially when index values soar to 9 between noon and 1 PM. Stay informed and safeguard your skin against the intense sun exposure that characterizes this beautiful region!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at a comfortable 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it jumps to 3, signaling a gradual increase in sun exposure. The intensity peaks around 12:00 PM, reaching an impressive 9, making midday the most critical time for sun safety. As the afternoon unfolds, the index slowly declines; it drops to 7 by 2:00 PM, then further decreases to 4 at 3:00 PM. The later hours offer a gentle reprieve, with values falling to 1 by 5:00 PM and ultimately 0 by 6:00 PM. Remember, during those peak hours, it’s essential to protect your skin!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 3 | 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 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variability, with extreme exposure levels persisting from January to April, where the index reaches as high as 16, indicating a critical risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. May marks a slight decrease with an index of 11, while June through August sees a shift to very high levels, peaking at 10 in August with a burn time of 15 minutes. As the year progresses into September and October, the UV Index returns to extreme levels, remaining at 12 with a burn time of just 10 minutes. It's crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during high-risk months, particularly from January to April and September to November, by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and limiting time in direct sunlight to avoid serious sunburn and skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kabompo | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 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 |