Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Mungwi, Zambia, where the climate can be both inviting and intense. With maximum UV levels peaking at 12 during midday, awareness of these numbers is crucial for sunburn prevention and maintaining healthy skin. Given Mungwi's characteristic Cwa climate, which features warm to hot summers, the risks of overexposure to ultraviolet rays are heightened, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM. Stay informed, protect your skin, and enjoy the warmth of Mungwi safely!
At dawn, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 07:00, but as the morning unfolds, it swiftly climbs. By 09:00, the index hits 6, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The sun reaches its zenith around noon, peaking at a scorching 12 at 12:00. 11:00 to 12:00 marks the most dangerous hours for sun exposure, with the UV Index staying at 11 and 12, so sunscreen is essential! After this peak, a gradual decline begins. By 14:00, it drops to 7, and then further descends into the afternoon and evening, stabilizing at 0 by 19:00, indicating a safe end to sun exposure for the day. This data serves as a reminder to stay sun-safe during those critical midday 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV indexes in our region exhibit extreme levels, particularly evident from January to April, where values consistently reach between 16 and 17 with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Although May sees a slight decrease to 12, it remains within the extreme category. The summer months of June and July present a transitional period, with indexes dropping to 10 and 11 respectively—still categorized as very high to extreme but allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes in June. As the year progresses, August to November return to high levels between 12 and 14, maintaining the 10-minute burn time. Overall, high-risk months for UV exposure are from January through November, making it essential for visitors and residents to take precautions year-round, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
Mungwi | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 15 |