Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Maroantsetra, Madagascar is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With the sun reaching peak intensity during the hottest hours of the day, knowledge of UV levels can play a crucial role in preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. Maroantsetra’s tropical climate presents unique UV exposure risks, especially with midday UV Index values soaring to 10—a category that indicates a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely by being UV-aware!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low at 1 at 07:00, making it a safe time for early birds. By 08:00, it climbs to 3, indicating a slight increase in UV exposure. The peak arrives sharply at 11:00 and 12:00, hitting a maximum of 10—a strong reminder to wear sunscreen and seek shade. Following this, the index gradually decreases, dipping to 6 by 14:00 and dropping further to 3 by 15:00. As the day winds down, UV levels return to a comfortable 1 by 16:00, fading to 0 by 18:00. This hourly pattern emphasizes the importance of midday protection while reminding us of the sun's dynamic presence throughout the day.
| 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 | 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 | 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 experiences significant variability, with January through April consistently presenting extreme exposure levels, peaking at 17 in January. As we transition into May and June, the index drops slightly, yet remains in the very high category, indicating a 15-minute burn time. July and August see a brief increase, with August back in the extreme range, while September to November maintain extreme levels again with a consistent 10-minute burn time. December experiences a slight uptick to 15 before the cycle restarts. Therefore, residents and visitors are advised to prioritize sun safety, particularly during high-risk months of January through April and August through November, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight 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 |
| Maroantsetra | 17 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 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 |