Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mpulungu, Zambia is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As a community nestled in a warm Aw climate, residents and visitors alike face varying levels of ultraviolet exposure throughout the day. With peak UV levels often reaching a concerning 12 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations can help prevent painful sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable experience in this beautiful lakeside town.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic sun intensity pattern that peaks at 12 between 11:00 and 12:00, indicating a high risk for unprotected skin. Early risers are greeted with a mild 1 at 07:00, gradually increasing to 3 by 08:00. By 09:00, it surges to 6, suggesting that sun protection is becoming increasingly important. The intensity remains elevated at 9 by 10:00 and holds steady at 12 during the late morning hours. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index starts to dip, falling to 11 at 13:00 and then declining to 8 by 14:00. Late afternoon sees a significant drop, with values dropping to 4 at 15:00, and tapering off to 2 by 16:00. Finally, the UV Index returns to a safe 1 at 17:00, before falling to 0 as the sun sets, emphasizing the importance of being sun-smart 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | 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 in this area remains consistently high throughout most of the year, particularly from January to April, where it reaches an extreme level of 16, necessitating a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, the UV Index slightly dips but remains very high to extreme from May to August, with a minor increase to 12 in May and July. Even in early autumn, the UV Index remains alarming at 13 in September and October, before tapering slightly in November and December, though still at 14-15. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, especially from January through August, ensuring they apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of UV damage.
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 |
Mpulungu | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 15 |