Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sesheke, Zambia is crucial for protecting your health and enjoying the vibrant outdoor lifestyle this region offers. With high levels of solar radiation, particularly between late morning and early afternoon, being aware of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Sesheke experiences a BSh climate, characterized by hot and dry conditions, which can elevate UV exposure risks. By staying informed about the UV Index, locals and visitors alike can take essential precautions to safeguard their skin while basking in the beautiful Zambian sun.
Starting the day with a very low UV Index of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, conditions are safe for outdoor activities. However, as the sun climbs higher, the UV Index rises sharply, reaching 5 by 10:00. The intensity peaks at 8 between 12:00 and 13:00, signaling caution for those venturing outside. From 14:00, the UV Index begins to decline rapidly, dropping to 4 by 15:00 and further decreasing to 2 by 16:00. As the sun sets, protection becomes unnecessary, with the UV Index falling to its minimum of 0 by 18:00, making late evening strolls completely safe. Remember, while the morning invites you to soak up the sun, midday demands more vigilance!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | 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 |