Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mufumbwe, Zambia, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Cwa climate, characterized by significant sunlight, awareness of UV levels can help residents and visitors enjoy the outdoors while minimizing the risk of harmful exposure. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, UV levels can spike as high as 9, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the damaging effects of the sun.
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 |
During the year, UV levels vary significantly, with extreme exposure categories dominating in the first half and late fall months. The highest UV indices occur from January to April, peaking at 16, where a burn time of just 10 minutes warrants serious precaution. May sees a slight decrease to an index of 11, still classified as extreme, before transitioning to very high levels in June through August, where burn time increases to 15 minutes. The UV index rises again in September and remains high through November and December with values up to 15. Consequently, both residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures, particularly during high-risk months from January to April and again in September to November, utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and minimizing sun exposure during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mufumbwe | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 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 |