Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Betioky, Madagascar, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As a region characterized by a BSh climate, Betioky experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours where the index can reach levels of 6 around noon. Awareness of UV levels is vital to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy the abundant sunshine safely. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take the necessary precautions to enjoy the great outdoors while keeping your skin protected from harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM at a robust 6. Early hours, without much intensity, see UV levels of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, activity picks up, reaching 3, and continues to climb until it hits 4 by 10:00 AM. The midday sun really asserts its presence, maintaining a strong 6 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, which is a critical time for sun safety awareness. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, falling to 2 by 3:00 PM, and later diminishing to a mere 0 by 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. It's a day of notable UV fluctuation, highlighting the importance of protection during the peak hours!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | 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 variation, with extreme risk months occurring from January to April and again in September to November. The highest UV Index occurs in February at 16 and remains dangerously high in January (15), March (14), and April (11), where the burn time is just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these months, emphasizing the importance of sunscreen and protective clothing. As we move into the summer months, the UV Index decreases slightly, with May showing a very high level of 8 and June and July experiencing a high level of 6, allowing for a longer burn time of 25 minutes. However, August's return to a very high index of 9 signals continued need for protection. As fall arrives, individuals must stay vigilant as the UV Index spikes again in September (11) and October (12), both categorized as extreme risks. To ensure safety year-round, it is essential to monitor UV levels and take appropriate precautions, especially during peak exposure periods.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betioky | 15 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 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 |