Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Toamasina, Madagascar is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the sun’s intensity varying throughout the day, awareness of UV levels helps in preventing painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Typically characterized by a tropical climate, Toamasina sees UV Index values peak around midday, reaching up to 7, which signifies a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about daily UV levels, locals and visitors can take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful sunshine safely.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reaches its peak during the late morning and early afternoon hours. Starting at a mild 1 at 7 AM, the index gradually climbs to a more noticeable 7 by 11 AM, signaling a time when sun protection becomes essential. It holds steady at 7 until noon, then begins to decline, dipping to 4 by 2 PM, and further falling to 1 by 4 PM. By evening, the UV Index drops to 0, indicating a safe time to enjoy the outdoors without the worry of harmful UV exposure. Remember, during the peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, it's crucial to wear sunscreen and protective clothing to safeguard your skin!
| 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 | 7 | 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 |
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 |