Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Choma, Zambia is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With the region's Cwa climate, which features a mix of warm temperatures and ample sunshine, awareness of UV levels can help prevent sunburns and reduce long-term skin damage. During peak hours, particularly between 11 AM and 1 PM, the UV Index can soar as high as 9, signaling a high risk for unprotected skin. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful weather while taking necessary precautions to maintain healthy skin.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts off low at 1, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. As the day progresses, it climbs to 3 by 09:00, still manageable but worth a slight caution if spending time outdoors. The real intensity kicks in around 10:00, reaching a moderate 6, and peaks at 12:00 with a high 9, when sun protection becomes essential. From 13:00 to 14:00, the UV Index remains strong at 8 and 7, respectively, prompting outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade or apply sunscreen liberally. The late afternoon sees a gradual decline; at 15:00, it drops to 4, then to 2 by 16:00, signaling a safe period for evening activities. As daylight fades, the UV Index plummets to 1 by 17:00 and finally 0 by 18:00, making the evening hours safe for all without the worry of harmful UV rays. Plan your day wisely to enjoy the sun safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest values occurring from January to April where it consistently reaches extreme levels (UV Index between 15 and 17) and a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are primarily from January to April and again from August to November, when the index rises back to extreme levels. In contrast, from May to July, the index drops slightly to very high (around 9 to 10) but still necessitates caution, as the burn time increases to 15 minutes. It is essential for both residents and visitors to take precautions during these high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choma | 17 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 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 |