UV Index in Mahajanga, Madagascar

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Mahajanga, Madagascar is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its tropical climate, residents and visitors alike face varying UV levels that peak during the midday hours, reaching an intensity of 8 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Being aware of these levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. As the sun's rays can be deceptively strong, especially in a location like Mahajanga, arming yourself with knowledge about UV exposure can help you enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful effects.

Hourly UV Index in Mahajanga

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, signaling a mild increase in UV exposure. The intensity heats up quickly, reaching a moderate 4 by 9:00 AM, before hitting its peak of 8 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is the prime time for sun safety awareness! After noon, the UV Index gradually declines; by 3:00 PM, it recedes to 3, and as the day wanes, it drops significantly to 1 by 4:00 PM. By evening, UV levels have diminished, reaching 0 by 6:00 PM, offering a reprieve from the sun’s rays.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	8	very high	15 min
13:00	7	high	25 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Mahajanga

The UV Index shows a consistent pattern of extreme and very high exposure from January through April and resurges towards the end of the year. The high-risk months are marked by significantly elevated UV values, particularly from January to April, with a peak UV Index of 16, indicating extreme risk and a burn time of just 10 minutes; this level of risk returns in August through November. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen with high SPF, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV exposure is most intense. Remember, the potential harm from UV radiation remains high throughout the year, particularly in these critical months, so vigilance is essential to protect your skin health.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Mahajanga, Madagascar

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Mahajanga. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Mahajanga, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Mahajanga UV Index with Other Madagascar Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Mahajanga compares to other major locations across Madagascar. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Mahajanga's solar exposure compared to other cities in Madagascar. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
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	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