Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Siavonga, Zambia, staying informed about the UV Index is vital for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day can help you make informed choices about sun exposure, especially during peak hours when the index reaches as high as 8. Nestled in an Aw climate zone, Siavonga experiences significant UV exposure, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, making awareness and protective measures essential for both residents and visitors looking to enjoy the beautiful surroundings without risking sun damage.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases an interesting pattern of solar intensity and risk levels. From the early hours, the index starts low at 1 by 07:00, gradually climbing to a moderate 3 by 09:00. The sun reaches its peak intensity at 11:00, where the index hits 8, remaining steady until 13:00—a time best reserved for shade-seekers and sunscreen users. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to wane, dipping back to 3 by 15:00, and then dropping to a negligible 0 by 18:00, marking a safe end to the sun's more harmful rays. Stay vigilant during those midday hours for optimal sun safety!
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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with the highest values observed from January to March, where it reaches an extreme level, peaking at 17 in January. April begins a gradual decline, yet still maintains an extreme index of 12. As we transition into the summer months (May through August), the UV Index remains very high, with values around 8 to 10, and burn times increasing to 15 minutes. September marks a return to extreme levels, while October through December generally continue this high-risk trend, with exposures demanding vigilance. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the months of January through April and September through November, taking measures such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Siavonga | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
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 |