Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Nakambala, Zambia, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year. Awareness of UV levels can play a significant role in preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health, making it essential to keep an eye on the daily fluctuations. Nakambala's Cwa climate brings warm summers and mild winters, offering considerable sun exposure that can lead to increased UV risks, especially during peak hours when the index reaches a maximum of 9. Being informed about the UV Index helps you enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index today tells a compelling story of sun exposure throughout the day. Starting low at 1 by 07:00, it gradually climbs to a moderate 3 by 09:00. As the day progresses, the intensity peaks impressively at 9 around 12:00, signaling that the sun is at its most powerful. The afternoon remains vibrant but begins to taper off as we see a drop to 4 by 15:00. Post-sunset, the UV Index plummets to 0 between 18:00 and 19:00, indicating a retreat from harmful rays. It’s a day where staying sun-smart is crucial during the midday hours, especially between 10:00 and 14:00.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | 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 | 6 | 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 levels in the region fluctuate significantly, with January to April showcasing extremely high UV Index values, peaking at 17 in January and gradually reducing to 13 in April, resulting in a short burn time of just 10 minutes. The intensity remains notably high in May to August, categorized as very high, where the UV Index ranges from 9 to 10, allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 15 minutes. As the year progresses, September and October see a return to extreme levels, with UV Index values of 12 and 14 respectively, while November again hits 14, and December peaks at 16, ensuring burn times return to 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during these high-risk months, particularly from January through April and in September and November, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting direct sun exposure during peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nakambala | 17 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 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 |