Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ambatofinandrahana, Madagascar, staying aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is crucial, as high exposure can lead to painful sunburns and increase the risk of skin damage over time. This region, characterized by its Cwb climate, experiences fluctuating UV exposure throughout the day, with peak levels reaching 9 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring their adventures under the Malagasy sun are both enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index shows an engaging fluctuation throughout the day, starting from a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, perfect for early risers who enjoy a gentle sun. As the hours progress, the index climbs steadily, reaching its peak at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a striking 9, indicating intense exposure risk. Sun-seekers should take extra precautions during these hours. The intensity begins to wane by 3:00 PM, dropping to 3, and settles back down to 1 by 4:00 PM through 5:00 PM, eventually fading to 0 by 6:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during the midday hours when the sun is at its fiercest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index considerably fluctuates, with the most critical risk observed during the winter and spring months. From January to April, the UV Index remains extremely high, with consistent values of 17 to 12 and a rapid burn time of 10 minutes. As the seasons transition into May through August, the index drops slightly but remains in the very high category, dropping to 9 in May and then stabilizing around 8 and 10 in the following months, allowing for slightly longer exposure of 15 minutes. The autumn months bring another spike in risk, particularly in September, with the index returning to an extreme level of 12. It is essential for visitors and residents to exercise caution during these high-risk months, particularly from January to April and again in September. Sun protection measures, including sunscreen, protective clothing, and limited exposure during peak hours, are crucial to safeguard against potential skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toamasina UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| Fianarantsoa UVI | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Mahajanga UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| Ambatofinandrahana | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Antananarivo UVI | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Antsirabe UVI | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 |