Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Ambodifotatra, Madagascar, a beautiful coastal town characterized by its warm tropical climate. With UV levels reaching a maximum of 10 during midday hours, awareness of sun exposure is vital for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take necessary precautions against harmful rays, ensuring your outdoor adventures remain enjoyable and safe. With morning and late afternoon hours presenting lower risks, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in protecting your skin while enjoying the sun-drenched beauty of Ambodifotatra.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a pronounced peak around midday. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index reaches a notable 10 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. Following this zenith, the intensity tapers off, dropping to 8 at 1:00 PM and gently descending to 5 by 2:00 PM. Afterward, the UV Index continues to decline, sinking to 3 at 3:00 PM, before finally resting at 1 by 4:00 PM and diminishing to 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling a safe end to sun exposure for the day. It's a classic reminder of the sun's potent power—stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 changes throughout the year, with the highest values occurring in the early months. From January to April, the index remains in the extreme category, peaking at a staggering 17 in January and gradually decreasing to 12 by April, where the burn time remains critically short at just 10 minutes. May to July shows somewhat lower values but still falls within the very high range, with a maximum UV Index of 10 in May and sustaining solid values until July, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, August to November returns to extreme levels, particularly in August with an index of 11 and burn times decreasing back to 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise extreme caution from January through April and during the late summer and fall months, ensuring adequate sun protection and minimizing exposure during peak sun hours, ideally within the short burn times indicated for each month.
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 |
| Ambodifotatra | 17 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 15 |
| Mahajanga UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| 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 |