Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Kaputa, Zambia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the sun safely. Kaputa's tropical savanna climate often brings high UV exposure, especially during the mid-day hours when the index peaks at 12. Awareness of these levels can empower residents and visitors alike to take the necessary precautions against harmful ultraviolet radiation, ensuring a healthier outdoor experience year-round.
At dawn, the UV Index starts with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually rising to a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index surges, reaching a peak of 12 at both 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a strong need for sun protection during these hours. The intensity wanes in the afternoon, dropping to 8 at 2:00 PM, followed by a steady decline to 5 at 3:00 PM, and further down to 2 by 4:00 PM. As the day concludes, the UV exposure lessens drastically, with values retreating to 1 by 5:00 PM and ultimately dropping to 0 from 6:00 PM onward. This hourly data underscores the importance of midday sun safety practices, as the risk for skin damage is significantly heightened during the peak hours.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 5 | 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 in this area remains consistently high throughout most of the year, particularly from January to April, where it reaches an extreme level of 16, necessitating a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, the UV Index slightly dips but remains very high to extreme from May to August, with a minor increase to 12 in May and July. Even in early autumn, the UV Index remains alarming at 13 in September and October, before tapering slightly in November and December, though still at 14-15. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, especially from January through August, ensuring they apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of UV damage.
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 |
Kaputa | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 15 |