Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Mbala, Zambia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding the UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and maintain overall skin health, especially in this Aw climate where the sun's intensity can peak dangerously high. During the peak hours—particularly from 10 AM to 1 PM, when the UV Index can soar up to 13—residents and visitors should take extra precautions. By staying informed about local UV conditions, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise and fall, peaking at 12 around 12:00 PM. The morning starts gently, with a maximum of 3 at 08:00 AM, but by 10:00 AM, it escalates to 10, indicating a significant increase in sun intensity. This reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, where a UV Index of 13 emphasizes the need for sun protection. The intensity begins to taper off after this peak, dropping to 4 by 15:00 PM and further declining to 1 by 17:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the UV Index effectively returns to 0 after 18:00 PM, signaling the end of sun exposure risk for the day. Be mindful of these fluctuations and prioritize sun safety during 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | 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 in the region remains extremely high for most of the year, peaking at 16 from January through April, with a consistent rating of 13 to 14 from May through November. The high-risk months are from January to April and July through October, where exposure can lead to skin damage in as little as 10 minutes. June sees a slight drop to very high levels with a 15-minute burn time. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months: seek shade, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen liberally to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure. Protecting your skin is essential, particularly during the peak months of summer.
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 |
Mbala | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 |