Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Beteza, Madagascar, where the sun can pose significant risks to skin health and overall well-being. With the UV Index peaking at a level of 7 around noon, it's important to recognize the potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during the warmer months in this Aw climate zone. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable experience under the sun. Remember, a little awareness goes a long way in preserving your skin's health while enjoying the vibrant outdoors of Beteza!
The UV index for the day shows a gradual increase in intensity, peaking at 12:00 PM with a notably high value of 7. Starting the morning with a mild index of 1 at 07:00 AM and 08:00 AM, the UV levels began to rise significantly by 09:00 AM, reaching 3. It escalated further to 4 by 10:00 AM, and by 11:00 AM, the index hit 6, indicating a need for sun protection. The most intense UV exposure occurs at 12:00 PM, where the index reaches its maximum at 7 before starting to decline in the afternoon. Post 1:00 PM, the values dropped to 6, then fell to 4 at 02:00 PM, and continued retreating to 3 by 03:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV index returns to 1 by 04:00 PM and winds down to 0 in the evening hours, from 06:00 PM onwards. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine, but remember to take precautions during peak hours!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | 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 index readings exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations. The highest risk months for UV exposure are from January to April and September to December, where the UV Index consistently falls in the extreme category (11-16), demanding only 10 minutes of exposure before risking sunburn. The summer months of May to August see lower peak indices but still carry a very high or high risk classification, particularly in May and August, with recommended burn times increasing to 15-25 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take appropriate sun safety measures, especially during peak months, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and limiting sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day to mitigate health risks associated with high UV levels.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beteza | 15 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| 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 |