Last updated: September 1, 2025
In Ihosy, Madagascar, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's Cfa climate, residents and visitors are exposed to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day, reaching a peak UV Index of 8 around noon. This knowledge is vital for effective sunburn prevention, as high UV levels can lead to skin damage and long-term health issues. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can plan your outdoor activities wisely, ensuring you take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sunny days in Ihosy while protecting your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it gently climbs to 2, but it's not until 09:00 that it hits 3, signaling a clearer sky. The index takes a notable leap at 10:00, reaching a brisk 5, and peaks at 12:00 with a striking 8—the ideal time to seek shade or apply sunscreen! As the afternoon wears on, the index falls back to 7 at 13:00, and then gradually drops to 5 by 14:00. As the sun starts to set, there's a further decline, leaving the evening with a relaxed 1 at 16:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This detailed hour-by-hour progression highlights the importance of sun safety during the peak hours of the day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experienced significant fluctuations, peaking at 17 in January, February, and March, categorizing these months as extreme exposure with a burn time of just 10 minutes. April sees a slight decrease to an index of 11, maintaining the extreme rating, while May and August present very high levels of 8 and 9, respectively, allowing for slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. The summer months of June and July offer a high risk with an index of 7 and a longer burn time of 25 minutes. As the year progresses into September and October, the index climbs back to 11 and 13, respectively, indicating extreme risk once again. Notably, the transition into November and December does not alleviate the danger, as the index reaches 14 and 15 with the same burn time of 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen generously, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours, to reduce the risk of UV damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ihosy | 17 | 17 | 15 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 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 |