UV Index in Mpulungu, Zambia

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.

Hourly UV Index in Mpulungu

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.

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.
TimeUVICategoryTime to Burn
07:001low45 min
08:003moderate30 min
09:006high25 min
10:009very high15 min
11:0012extreme10 min
12:0012extreme10 min
13:0011extreme10 min
14:008very high15 min
15:004moderate30 min
16:002low45 min
17:001low45 min
18:000low45 min
19:000low45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Mpulungu

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Mpulungu, Zambia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Mpulungu. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec161616151210111213131415
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Mpulungu, 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 Mpulungu UV Index with Other Zambia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Mpulungu 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.
Mpulungu's solar exposure compared to other cities in Zambia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Lusaka UVI1717151310991112121516
Chingola UVI161715141110101112131416
Kitwe UVI16171614111091112131516
Kabwe UVI1717151311991113131516
Ndola UVI161716141110101112131516
Mpulungu161616161210111213131415