UV index for Lusaka peaks at UV 12 at 12:00 local time. Data as of (Africa/Lusaka). Values update hourly — see this page for the current reading and hourly forecast.

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UV Index in Lusaka

Live UV index for Lusaka, Zambia — current level, hourly UV forecast, peak times, WHO sun protection advice and a 4-day outlook. Now: UV 10 (Very High). Peak today: UV 12 at 12:00.

Now · 10:00 · Lusaka
10
Very High
0–2Low3–5Moderate6–7High8–10Very High11+Extreme

Sun protection needed today: 08:00–16:00

Protection guidelines:

Now · 10:00 — UV 10 · Very High · Clear sky: 10

  • Avoid being outside during midday hours
  • Make sure you seek shade
  • Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must
Values are forecasts from the European CAMS model (Copernicus), not measurements from a sensor in Lusaka. WHO · Methodology
Today's UV overview · Fri, Oct 16
1
7Clear sky21°47%4
3
8Clear sky24°41%6
6
9Clear sky27°34%6
10
10Clear sky29°28%6
12
11Mainly clear30°25%5
12
12Partly cloudy31°23%5
11
13Partly cloudy31°22%4
8
14Partly cloudy31°21%4
5
15Partly cloudy32°21%4
2
16Partly cloudy31°22%4
% HumidityWind m/s
Max today
12at 12:00
Max tomorrow
12at 12:00
Daylight today
12h 27m05:38–18:05
Solar noon
11:52

Sun & moon in Lusaka

Sun height75°
Sun directionNE 67°
Sky stateDaylight
-90°-60°-30°0°30°60°90°00:0006:0012:0018:0024:00Now 75°

The curve traces the sun's height above the horizon through the day: 0° is the horizon, 90° is straight overhead. The higher the sun climbs, the shorter the path its rays take through the atmosphere — and the stronger the UV. The part below 0° is night.

Sunrise / sunset directionE 99° / W 260°
Civil twilight05:17–05:39 / 18:05–18:27
Nautical twilight04:51–05:17 / 18:27–18:53
Astronomical twilight04:26–04:51 / 18:53–19:18
Moon phaseWaxing crescent · 29%
Moonrise / moonset09:43 / 23:15
Next moon quarterFirst quarter · Oct 18, 18:13

Detailed hourly UV index — Today, Oct 16

Peak UV 12.4 at 12:00 · Lusaka · Local time (GMT+2)

The solid line is the hourly UV forecast: the UV index expected each hour, with cloud cover taken into account. The dashed line is the clear-sky UV, the level it would reach under a cloudless sky. The gap between the two lines shows how much the clouds are lowering the UV.

04812Max: 12Now: 106:0020°9:0027°12:0031°15:0032°18:0029°21:0024°
ForecastClear sky

Detailed hourly UV index — Tomorrow, Oct 17

Peak UV 11.7 at 12:00 · Lusaka · Local time (GMT+2)

04812Max: 126:0021°9:0026°12:0030°15:0031°18:0029°21:0025°
ForecastClear sky
Hour-by-hour UV index for today & tomorrow

Detailed hour-by-hour UV index forecast for Lusaka — today and tomorrow. Includes UV level, clear-sky UV, weather conditions, and temperature for each hour.

Today — Oct 16

HourUVClear skyWeather
05:000.0 – Low0.0Clear sky20°
06:000.1 – Low0.1Clear sky20°
07:001.0 – Low1.0Clear sky21°
08:003.1 – Moderate3.1Clear sky24°
09:006.3 – High6.4Clear sky27°
10:009.7 – Very High9.7Clear sky29°
11:0011.9 – Extreme12.1Mainly clear30°
12:0012.4 – Extreme12.6Partly cloudy31°
13:0010.9 – Extreme11.0Partly cloudy31°
14:007.9 – Very High7.9Partly cloudy31°
15:004.5 – Moderate4.5Partly cloudy32°
16:001.8 – Low1.8Partly cloudy31°
17:000.4 – Low0.4Partly cloudy30°
18:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy29°
19:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy27°
20:000.0 – Low0.0Mainly clear26°
21:000.0 – Low0.0Mainly clear24°

Tomorrow — Oct 17

HourUVClear skyWeather
05:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy21°
06:000.1 – Low0.1Partly cloudy21°
07:001.0 – Low1.0Mainly clear22°
08:003.2 – Moderate3.2Mainly clear24°
09:006.5 – High6.5Mainly clear26°
10:009.8 – Very High9.9Mainly clear28°
11:0011.3 – Extreme12.2Partly cloudy29°
12:0011.7 – Extreme12.6Partly cloudy30°
13:0010.9 – Extreme11.0Partly cloudy30°
14:007.9 – Very High7.9Partly cloudy31°
15:004.5 – Moderate4.5Mainly clear31°
16:001.8 – Low1.8Mainly clear31°
17:000.4 – Low0.4Partly cloudy30°
18:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy29°
19:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy27°
20:000.0 – Low0.0Mainly clear26°
21:000.0 – Low0.0Mainly clear25°

4-Day UV Forecast for Lusaka

The 4-day UV index forecast shows each day's peak UV and the time it's reached, plus daily high and low temperatures and an hourly UV curve, so you can plan sun protection for the days ahead.

Today, Oct 16Peak UV 12 at 12:00Sun protection: 08:00–16:0032° / 20°
6Clear sky20°9Clear sky27°12Partly cloudy31°15Partly cloudy32°18Partly cloudy29°
Saturday, Oct 17Peak UV 12 at 12:00Sun protection: 08:00–16:0031° / 21°
6Partly cloudy21°9Mainly clear26°12Partly cloudy30°15Mainly clear31°18Partly cloudy29°
Sunday, Oct 18Peak UV 12 at 11:00Sun protection: 08:00–16:0033° / 20°
6Clear sky20°9Clear sky28°12Partly cloudy32°15Mainly clear32°18Mainly clear30°
Monday, Oct 19Peak UV 13 at 12:00Sun protection: 08:00–16:0035° / 20°
6Mainly clear20°9Clear sky28°12Mainly clear34°15Partly cloudy35°18Clear sky32°

Peak midday UV by month in Lusaka

It's October: on clear days, the midday sun here usually peaks around UV 12–15. That's very intense: around midday you need shade, covering clothes and sunscreen.

The sun is strong here all year round: even in the mildest months, midday UV reaches about 9, so protection is needed in every season. Treat these numbers as the most sun you should expect around noon: clouds typically lower the real value, while reflections from snow, sand or water can add to the UV your skin actually receives. Today's actual UV is in the forecast above.

36811141714–17Jan14–16Feb12–16Mar10–13Apr8–10May7–9Jun7–9Jul8–12Aug11–14Sep12–15Oct13–15Nov14–16Dec

Each bar shows the range the midday UV index moves through on clear days in that month, from the gentlest days up to what the strongest days typically reach, based on 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). The small light line inside a bar is an ordinary day's midday level.

Based on TEMIS data. Copyright © KNMI/ESA — https://www.temis.nl/

In October the strong sun is in the southern hemisphere: UV reaches high levels across most of it, while the northern hemisphere outside the tropics has its mild season.

See the world map for October →

The UV year at a glance

Strongest sunJan · up to 17
Weakest sunJun–Jul · up to 9
Protection needed (UV 3+)all year
Extra protection (UV 8+)all year

Months when the midday sun gets strong enough to need protection. Based on clear days; clouds typically lower UV.

See also: Lusaka temperature and rainfall by month →

UV in Lusaka: today, tomorrow and through the year

In Lusaka it's currently UV 10 (very high), and with the day peaking at 12 (extreme), protection is worth keeping on until 16:00. Clear conditions leave the sun barely filtered today.Tomorrow looks much the same, with the peak near UV 12 (extreme) around 12:00 and protection needed from 08:00 to 16:00.Few months in Lusaka are stronger than October. Its strongest days reach about UV 15, while the quietest months of the year still hold around UV 9.

Location, daylight and sky in Lusaka

Key facts

CountryZambia, Lusaka Province
TimezoneAfrica/Lusaka (UTC+2)
Coordinates15.41° S, 28.29° E
Elevation1277 m
Population≈ 2.21M
Air pressurebarometer.today

Sun & Daylight Hours in Lusaka

Sunrise / sunset05:38 / 18:05
Daylight today12h 27m
Daylight tomorrow12h 28m (+1 min)
Solar noon (sun highest)11:52
Golden hour17:37–18:19
Low UV hours (UV < 3)05:00–08:00
16:00–18:00
High UV window (UV ≥ 3)08:00–16:00

Seasonal daylight range at this latitude

Longest day13h 03m (Dec 21)
Shortest day11h 13m (Jun 21)

Similar daylight hours as Brasília, Brazil — on the same parallel

UV index map for Lusaka and nearby cities

This map shows the current UV forecast for Lusaka and the area around it. One forecast value covers a region of roughly 40 km, so it is a good guide for the area as a whole rather than an exact reading for one spot. In places with big height differences, or where the ground is covered by snow, the real UV can differ from what the map shows.

Check UV in: Chipata · Luanshya · Chililabombwe · Likasi · Livingstone

Air quality concerns? Check air quality in Lusaka on AirIndex.Today

What is the UV index in Lusaka right now?

As of 10:00 local time, the UV index in Lusaka is 10 (Very High). UV changes hour by hour. See the hourly chart above for how it rises and falls today.

What is the UV index in Lusaka today?

On 2026-10-16, the peak UV index forecast for Lusaka is 12, expected around 12:00 local time. Check back daily: UV levels change with cloud cover, ozone, and sun angle. Lusaka sits at 1277 m elevation, where UV radiation is stronger than at sea level (roughly +10% per 1,000 m).

What is the UV index in Lusaka tomorrow?

On 2026-10-17, the UV index in Lusaka is forecast to peak at 12 around 12:00 local time. Plan outdoor activities and sun protection around that peak.

What are typical maximum UV levels in Lusaka by month?

Peak midday UV index in Lusaka, month by month
MonthPeak midday UV
January14–17
February14–16
March12–16
April10–13
May8–10
June7–9
July7–9
August8–12
September11–14
October12–15
November13–15
December14–16
The weakest sun is in June and July, when midday UV stays around 7–9. From there it climbs: August (8–12), September (11–14), October (12–15), November (13–15), and December (14–16). The strongest sun is in January, reaching 14–17 on clear days. It eases back through February (14–16), March (12–16), April (10–13), and May (8–10).Clear-sky range, 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). On cloudy days values are typically lower.

How strong is UV in Lusaka in October?

In a typical October, the midday UV index in Lusaka reaches 12–15 on clear days, based on 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). Cloudy days typically run lower. Check the live forecast for today's value.

Which months have the highest UV in Lusaka?

UV in Lusaka is highest in January, when the midday index reaches up to 17 on clear days. The weakest sun is in June–July, around 7–9 at midday.

When do you need sun protection in Lusaka?

All year round: midday UV in Lusaka reaches 3 or higher (the WHO protection level) in every month. In every month it can reach UV 8 or more. The WHO then advises extra protection: avoid the midday sun and cover up.

Forecast · UV Index

Now
UV 9.7 (Very High)
Max today
UV 12.4 · 12:00
Max tomorrow
UV 11.7 · 12:00
Clear sky
UV 12.6
Sunrise / Sunset
05:38 / 18:05
High UV window (UV ≥ 3)
08:00–16:00
4-Day UV Forecast
Fri 12.4 · Sat 11.7 · Sun 12.5 · Mon 12.8

UV guides

Read all guides →
About the UV Index

What is the UV index?

The UV index (UVI) is an international standard measure of the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun at a particular place and time. It ranges from 0 (nighttime) to 11+ (extreme). Higher values mean greater risk of sunburn, skin damage, and eye injury. The UV index was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to help people protect themselves from harmful UV radiation.

How do I check the UV index today?

This page shows the live UV index for your location using data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). You get the current UV level, an hourly UV forecast chart for today and tomorrow, and the exact peak UV time — so you always know when sun protection is most important.

When is UV radiation strongest?

UV radiation is typically strongest between 10:00 and 16:00, when the sun is highest in the sky. However, the exact peak time and intensity depend on your latitude, the season, altitude, cloud cover, and ozone levels. Check the UV forecast chart above to see today's exact peak time for your location.

How can I protect myself from UV radiation?

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade during peak UV hours, and wear UV-blocking sunglasses. The WHO recommends sun protection when the UV index is 3 or above.

Where does the UV data come from?

The hourly UV index on this site comes from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), operated by ECMWF on behalf of the European Union. CAMS calculates the UV biologically effective dose using total column ozone, aerosol optical depth, and cloud cover. The global forecast has a spatial resolution of approximately 40 km and provides hourly UV index values for up to 5 days ahead.

What does "clear-sky UV index" mean?

The clear-sky UV index shows how strong ultraviolet radiation would be if there were no clouds at all. It is calculated using the same atmospheric data — ozone column thickness, aerosol concentrations, and solar angle — but assumes completely cloudless conditions. Comparing the actual UV index with the clear-sky value shows how much clouds are reducing UV exposure at any given time. On overcast days, actual UV can be significantly lower than the clear-sky value.

How often is the UV forecast updated?

The CAMS global UV forecast is updated twice daily, based on model runs initialized at 00:00 and 12:00 UTC. Weather data such as temperature, cloud cover, and sunrise/sunset times is updated every 1–6 hours depending on the region, using weather models from national meteorological services via Open-Meteo. The first 1–2 days of the forecast are typically the most accurate.

What does the WHO recommend for each UV level?

Low (0–2) — No protection needed. You can safely enjoy being outside
Moderate (3–5) — Seek shade during midday hours. Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
High (6–7) — Seek shade during midday hours. Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
Very High (8–10) — Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade. Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must
Extreme (11+) — Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade. Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must

Source: WHO Global Solar UV Index, 2002

uvi·today

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. UV index data and sun protection guidance are approximate and should not replace professional advice. UV index data is not applicable to infants under 12 months. The WHO recommends keeping them out of direct sunlight at all times. WHO. UV forecasts are based on satellite and atmospheric models. Actual UV levels may vary due to local cloud cover, surface reflection, altitude, and other environmental factors. When in doubt, consult a healthcare provider for personalized sun protection advice. UV and weather data is sourced from third-party APIs (Open-Meteo/CAMS). We do not guarantee accuracy or availability. Data may be delayed or temporarily unavailable.

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UV & weather data: Open-Meteo (CAMS/Copernicus) · Protection guidelines: WHO Global Solar UV Index, 2002 · Location data: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0) · IP2Location LITE · Yr / NRK (CC BY 4.0) · Twemoji (CC BY 4.0)

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