Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Manja, Madagascar, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health. With a climate that falls under the Aw zone, residents and visitors alike should be particularly mindful of peak UV exposure times, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the index often reaches levels of 6 to 7. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Malagasy sun while protecting yourself from its potentially damaging effects.
The UV Index reveals an early morning reprieve, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and remaining low through 9:00 AM. However, as the sun climbs, intensity increases sharply, peaking at a 7 around noon, signaling the most potent UV exposure of the day. The early afternoon maintains a respectable UV level of 6 at 1:00 PM before gradually tapering off. By mid-afternoon, it drops to 4, then swiftly declines to 1 by 4:00 PM, and finally settles at 0 by 6:00 PM, marking the day's end for UV concern. This hourly trend underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 6 | 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 shows significant seasonal changes, with extreme levels persisting in the first four months and again in September through November. The months of January, February, March, April, September, October, November, and December all present a high risk of UV exposure, with a consistent burn time of only 10 minutes. The highest risk months—January to April and September through November—require visitors and residents to take extra precautions. As the season transitions into May and August, the UV exposure becomes very high, allowing slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. June and July see a high UV level, enabling 25 minutes of exposure but still necessitating caution. Visitors and residents are advised to use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours to mitigate the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Manja | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 |
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 |