Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Ambalasoa, Madagascar, where the climate features a subtropical humid influence (Cfa), resulting in varying UV exposure throughout the day. As UV levels can soar as high as 7 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. By knowing when UV exposure peaks—typically between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM—you can take proactive measures, such as seeking shade and applying sunscreen, to mitigate risks and enjoy the beautiful outdoor settings of Ambalasoa safely.
The UV Index reveals an early morning reprieve, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and remaining low through 9:00 AM. However, as the sun climbs, intensity increases sharply, peaking at a 7 around noon, signaling the most potent UV exposure of the day. The early afternoon maintains a respectable UV level of 6 at 1:00 PM before gradually tapering off. By mid-afternoon, it drops to 4, then swiftly declines to 1 by 4:00 PM, and finally settles at 0 by 6:00 PM, marking the day's end for UV concern. This hourly trend underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest values peaking in the early months and decreasing as summer approaches. January through April consistently presents extreme UV levels (UV Index 16-11), requiring only 10 minutes for skin burn, highlighting these as high-risk months. As we move into May and August, UV exposure remains very high (UV Index 9), increasing burn time to 15 minutes, while June and July offer slightly lower risks with high UV levels (UV Index 7) allowing for 25 minutes before any adverse effects. The UV index rises again in September to November, returning to extreme levels (UV Index 12-14) with a burn time of 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially during January through April and September to November, when UV exposure is at its peak.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambalasoa | 16 | 17 | 15 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 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 |