UV Index in Mbala, Zambia

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Mbala, Zambia, where the sun shines brightly in a typical Aw climate. Awareness of UV levels is essential for effectively preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially during peak hours when the index can reach alarming levels, peaking at 11 around noon. With the sun's rays becoming most intense from late morning to early afternoon, it's important to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks to enjoy the sunny outdoors safely without compromising your skin's well-being.

Hourly UV Index in Mbala

The UV Index today peaked dramatically in the late morning, starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and climbing to an impressive 11 by 12:00. This intense exposure reached its zenith at 11:00, where precautions were essential as the Index hit 10. As the afternoon progressed, the UV levels began to gradually decline, dropping to 4 by 15:00 and further down to a modest 2 by 16:00. By the evening, the sun had softened, bringing the UV Index back to 1 at 17:00, and ultimately fading to 0 by 18:00, when the day's light had nearly vanished. Make sure to stay protected during peak hours to enjoy the sunshine safely!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	2	low	45 min
09:00	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	8	very high	15 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Mbala

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Mbala, Zambia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Mbala. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Mbala, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Mbala UV Index with Other Zambia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Mbala compares to other major locations across Zambia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Mbala's solar exposure compared to other cities in Zambia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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