Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Luwingu, Zambia, where high sun exposure can lead to significant health risks, including sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a climate categorized as Cwa, Luwingu experiences intense solar radiation, especially during peak hours. On a typical day, UV levels can soar to a maximum of 12 around noon, underscoring the importance of being aware of these numbers to safeguard your skin and overall health. By monitoring the UV Index, locals can adapt their outdoor plans and take proactive measures to protect themselves from harmful rays.
Today’s UV Index reveals a striking pattern of solar intensity throughout the day. The morning begins gently at 7:00 AM with a low index of 1, gradually climbing to 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index peaks at a blazing 12 at noon, signaling the hour of greatest sun exposure. Throughout the early afternoon, UV levels remain high at 11 before starting their descent after 2:00 PM, dropping to 4 by 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the index dwindles to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM, and the sun sets, leaving us with a calming 0 from 6:00 PM onward. It’s important to stay protected during those hours of maximum UV intensity!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |