Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Mahabe, Madagascar, especially as it plays a vital role in promoting skin health and preventing sunburn. With UV levels peaking at 10 during midday hours, awareness of these levels can significantly influence outdoor activities and protection measures. Mahabe’s Aw climate offers a tropical atmosphere but also heightens exposure risks, making it essential to stay informed. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful sun-soaked days while safeguarding your skin against the harmful effects of excessive UV radiation.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an interesting narrative of sun exposure. Early risers benefit from a low index of 1 at 07:00, gradually increasing to a modest 2 by 08:00. As the day progresses, the intensity peaks at 12:00, reaching a high of 10, indicating significant sun exposure. Midday sun at 11:00 and 12:00 calls for caution, as the index remains dangerously elevated at 9 and 10. This is followed by a gentle decline, with values dropping to 6 at 14:00 and easing further to 4 by 15:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index diminishes, falling back to a safe 1 by 17:00, before collapsing to 0 after 18:00. Emphasizing the importance of sun safety, it’s crucial to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | 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 |
The UV Index data reveals significant seasonal variations, with extreme exposure levels prevalent from January to April and again in August through November. The highest UV Index is recorded in January, February, and March at 16, indicating a critical need for sun protection as burn time is only 10 minutes. As we transition into spring and summer, the UV Index decreases slightly, reaching a maximum of 10 in May and 8-9 from June to July, still classified as very high. However, the risk escalates again in late summer and fall, especially in August and September, where the index returns to extreme levels. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months—wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during midday hours—to minimize skin damage and health risks associated with excessive UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| 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 UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| Mahabe | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 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 |