Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Antananarivo, Madagascar, being aware of the UV Index is not just important—it's essential for protecting your skin. With a climate classified as Cwb, residents and visitors alike face varying UV exposure throughout the day, especially during peak hours when the index can soar as high as 9. Understanding these UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and safeguarding long-term skin health. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful Malagasy sun while minimizing the risk of skin damage, especially during the sunniest hours of the day.
The UV Index data for today reveals a steady climb in ultraviolet exposure as the sun rises. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, the index escalates to 2 by 08:00, before witnessing a significant jump to 4 at 09:00. The peak occurs around 12:00, where it reaches 9—a strong signal to take protective measures against sun damage. After this midday high, the UV Index begins to drop, descending to 6 at 14:00, before dwindling further to 3 by 15:00. The evening hours bring a dramatic decline, with 1 at 16:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 13:00.
| 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 | 8 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking in the early months of the year with values reaching up to 17 in both January and February, classified as extreme exposure, where a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. As the year progresses into March and April, the index remains high, at 15 and 12 respectively, still warranting extreme caution. The summer months, particularly May through July, present a slight reduction, but the risk remains considerable with values ranging from 8 to 10, where burn times extend to 15 minutes. The threat spikes again from August onwards, as the index climbs back to extreme levels, continuing through November. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to limit sun exposure, especially during high-risk months (January to April and August to November) and to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Antananarivo | 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 |