UV Index in Namwala, Zambia

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Namwala, Zambia, as it plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and overall skin health. With the region's Cwa climate, characterized by dry winters and wet summers, UV exposure can surge significantly, especially during peak hours. For instance, at noon, the UV Index often reaches an intense level of 9, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin and enjoy the beautiful Zambian sun safely.

Hourly UV Index in Namwala

The UV Index for the day starts off low, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, providing a gentle introduction to sunlight. As the morning progresses, it climbs gradually, peaking at 9 around 12:00, marking the sun's fierce midday intensity. The index remains high at 8 from 11:00 to 13:00, urging outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade and apply sunscreen. However, by the afternoon, the UV Index begins to taper off, declining to 4 at 15:00 and dropping further to 1 by 17:00, before finally hitting 0 in the evening. This fluctuation highlights the importance of being sun-smart, especially during those critical midday hours when UV exposure can be most damaging.

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.
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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Namwala

During the year, UV Index levels display significant seasonal variations, peaking in the winter months. From January to April, the UV Index remains extremely high, ranging from 17 to 13, with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. As the seasons transition into May and June, the UV Index decreases slightly to 10 and 9, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, high-risk months persist, particularly from August to November, where indices soar back up to 15 in November, with burn times reverting to 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during all months, especially between January and April, ensuring protective clothing and sunscreen are utilized to mitigate the extreme risk of UV exposure. For safer outdoor activities, aim to limit sun exposure during peak intensity hours.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Namwala, Zambia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Namwala. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Namwala, 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 Namwala UV Index with Other Zambia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Namwala 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.

Namwala's solar exposure compared to other cities in Zambia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Namwala	17	16	15	13	10	9	8	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