Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Mananara, Madagascar, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn. With a tropical climate that often brings intense sunlight, understanding UV levels can help residents and visitors alike protect themselves during the day. For instance, peak UV Index values typically reach 9 around midday, signaling a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. By being informed about these levels, you can make educated choices about sun safety and enjoy the beauty of Mananara while keeping your skin healthy and safe.
The UV Index rises and falls dramatically throughout the day, showcasing how the sun's intensity varies with time. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to reach a peak of 9 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where sun protection is crucial. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to dip — descending to 5 by 2:00 PM and tapering off to a safe 1 by 4:00 PM. Finally, the sun sets with the UV levels dropping to 0 after 6:00 PM, indicating it’s safe to enjoy the evening outdoors without worry. Stay vigilant during those midday hours to protect your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 data reveals significant seasonal fluctuations in UV Index levels, highlighting high-risk months from January to April, when the UV Index consistently holds at a dangerously high range, peaking at 17 in January. These months carry an extreme exposure category, indicating a quick burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. As spring transitions into summer, May through July sees a decline in UV intensity, with the index dropping to 10-9 and shifting to a very high exposure category with a slightly increased burn time of 15 minutes. However, August and September exhibit extreme levels again, with a notable increase to 11 and 12, respectively, returning to a 10-minute burn time. Toward the year’s end, UV levels remain high, particularly in December at 15. Therefore, it is advisable for visitors and residents to take precautions during all months, particularly in the peak months of January through April and August through October, by applying sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing to mitigate risks of overexposure.
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 |
| Mananara | 17 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 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 |