Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Kaputa, Zambia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels enables residents and visitors to take precautionary measures against harmful exposure, especially during peak hours when the UV Index soars to dangerous levels, reaching up to 11 around noon. With Kaputa's tropical climate often delivering intense sunlight, awareness of these daily UV patterns is vital for everyone's well-being. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely while protecting your skin from the risks of UV radiation.
As the day dawns, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it quickly rises to 4, signaling a more pronounced sun exposure. The peak intensity is reached at 12:00 PM with a striking 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Fortunately, this intensity decreases throughout the afternoon, dropping to 4 by 3:00 PM and further to 2 by 4:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls to 0 after 6:00 PM, bringing relief as daylight fades. To make the most of sun exposure, plan outdoor activities during the morning or early afternoon while remaining mindful of peak hours!
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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 10 | 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 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 |