Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Kasama, Zambia, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With high UV levels peaking at noon, reaching up to 12, awareness of daily sun exposure can significantly help in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Given Kasama’s humid subtropical climate (Cwa), sunny days are not uncommon, and the risks associated with UV exposure are more pronounced during peak hours. By keeping track of the UV index, you can enjoy the sun while taking the necessary precautions to protect your skin and maintain your well-being.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 07:00, but as the morning unfolds, it swiftly climbs. By 09:00, the index hits 6, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The sun reaches its zenith around noon, peaking at a scorching 12 at 12:00. 11:00 to 12:00 marks the most dangerous hours for sun exposure, with the UV Index staying at 11 and 12, so sunscreen is essential! After this peak, a gradual decline begins. By 14:00, it drops to 7, and then further descends into the afternoon and evening, stabilizing at 0 by 19:00, indicating a safe end to sun exposure for the day. This data serves as a reminder to stay sun-safe during those critical midday 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV indexes in our region exhibit extreme levels, particularly evident from January to April, where values consistently reach between 16 and 17 with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Although May sees a slight decrease to 12, it remains within the extreme category. The summer months of June and July present a transitional period, with indexes dropping to 10 and 11 respectively—still categorized as very high to extreme but allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes in June. As the year progresses, August to November return to high levels between 12 and 14, maintaining the 10-minute burn time. Overall, high-risk months for UV exposure are from January through November, making it essential for visitors and residents to take precautions year-round, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Kasama | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 15 |