Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Beloha, Madagascar, where the tropical climate brings intense sunlight and significant UV exposure. Awareness of UV levels can help you take essential precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With peak UV readings soaring to 8 around midday, the risk of harmful effects is notably high, making it vital to prioritize skin health during outdoor activities. By familiarizing yourself with the UV Index, you can enjoy Beloha's stunning natural beauty while safeguarding your well-being under the sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it gently climbs to 2, but it's not until 09:00 that it hits 3, signaling a clearer sky. The index takes a notable leap at 10:00, reaching a brisk 5, and peaks at 12:00 with a striking 8—the ideal time to seek shade or apply sunscreen! As the afternoon wears on, the index falls back to 7 at 13:00, and then gradually drops to 5 by 14:00. As the sun starts to set, there's a further decline, leaving the evening with a relaxed 1 at 16:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This detailed hour-by-hour progression highlights the importance of sun safety during the peak hours of the day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure levels vary significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from January to March and then again in October to December, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 15 to 16. During these periods, the recommended burn time is as short as 10 minutes, emphasizing the need for diligent sun protection. As spring and summer progress, UV levels do decrease slightly, peaking at very high levels of 8 to 10 in April, May, August, and September, where a burn time of 15 minutes is advised. Overall, residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak UV times, particularly in the winter months and late fall when the sun's intensity can still pose serious risks.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beloha | 15 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 |
| 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 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 |