Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Luwingu, Zambia, where the subtropical highland climate can expose individuals to significant sun risks. With maximum UV levels peaking at 11 around noon, awareness of these readings is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. The typical exposure peaks during the late morning and early afternoon, highlighting the need for proper sun protection strategies. Being informed about daily UV levels empowers you to enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
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 experiences significant seasonal variation, peaking at extreme levels during the first four months of the year, where it reaches a staggering 17 in February and remains at 16 in both March and January. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from January to April, when the index remains consistently at 16 or higher, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. As the year progresses into June and July, while the UV index slightly lowers to 10 and 11 respectively, the exposure category remains very high to extreme, with burn times extending to 15 minutes in June. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take proactive measures to protect themselves from harmful UV radiation, especially during these high-risk months. This includes wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade whenever possible. Stay safe and enjoy the outdoors responsibly!
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 |
| Luwingu | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |