Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Sesheke, Zambia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburns, especially given the region's BSh climate, characterized by intense sunlight during the hotter months. The UV levels here can peak at a striking 10 around midday, emphasizing the need for awareness before heading outdoors. By knowing the UV Index, residents and visitors can take vital precautions such as applying sunscreen or seeking shade, ultimately safeguarding their skin from harmful UV radiation. Stay informed to enjoy the sun safely in this beautiful Zambian locale!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a clear progression of intensity, peaking sharply during midday. Starting from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. However, as the sun ascends, the UV intensity escalates dramatically, hitting a striking 10 at 12:00 PM—the highest level of the day. This peak is followed by a gradual decline, with readings of 9 at 1:00 PM, 7 at 2:00 PM, and tapering down to a more manageable 4 by 3:00 PM. As the sun begins to set, the UV levels drop quickly, returning to 1 at 5:00 PM and finally fading to 0 by 6:00 PM. Stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 changes, with the highest readings occurring during the winter months. Notably, from January to April, the index remains in the extreme category, peaking at 17 in January, where the burn time is only 10 minutes. As temperatures rise into May and June, the index falls slightly to a very high level of 10 and 8, respectively, allowing for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. The risk remains substantial through July and August before increasing again in September to 12, marking another extreme period alongside October and November, which also show high UV exposure. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months—specifically January to April and September to November—by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and limiting their time in direct sunlight to mitigate the risk of UV-related harm.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sesheke | 17 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 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 |