Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Toamasina, Madagascar is essential for safeguarding your skin health from the sun's harmful rays. Given the region's tropical climate, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure risks, especially during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM when the index can reach as high as 9. Being aware of the UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a crucial role in reducing the long-term risks of skin damage and conditions such as skin cancer. Enjoy the sun responsibly by staying informed about the UV Index and taking necessary precautions to protect your skin!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a distinctive pattern, peaking dramatically as the sun ascends. From 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, the index starts at a low 1, gradually climbing to a moderate 3. By 9:00 AM, the intensity rises to 5, but the real surge occurs between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it reaches a maximum of 9, indicating a high risk for sun exposure. As afternoon approaches, the UV Index begins to taper off, dropping to 5 by 2:00 PM, and further declining to 3 at 3:00 PM. The day winds down with 1 at 4:00 PM and dwindling to 0 by 6:00 PM. To ensure safety during peak hours, it's crucial to take precautions from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
The UV Index fluctuates significantly throughout the year, with January through April experiencing extreme levels, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, especially during these months when the burn time is as little as 10 minutes. May marks a transition to very high exposure, with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes, while June and July see a reduction in the UV Index to 7 and 8, respectively, still categorized as very high with a burn time of 25 minutes in June and 15 minutes in July. However, the risk remains significant, especially in August, where it jumps back up to 10. In the fall and early winter months (September to December), UV levels shift back to extreme, with burn times again dropping to 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during high-risk months—especially from January to April and September to November—by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure and reduce the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toamasina | 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 |