Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Antsirabe, Madagascar, as it serves as a key indicator of sun exposure risk throughout the day. With a Cfb climate that offers warm afternoons and clear skies, UV levels can escalate quickly, peaking around midday with indices reaching up to 8. Awareness of these levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the vibrant beauty of Antsirabe while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
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.
| 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 |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal variability, peaking during the winter months. From January to March, the index remains extremely high, at 17 and 16, signaling a burn time of just 10 minutes, making these months particularly hazardous for sun exposure. As the year progresses into April and May, the index decreases slightly to 13 and 10 respectively, indicating a very high risk with burn times increasing to 15 minutes. The UV levels then maintain a very high rating through June and July with values dropping to 8 and 9, yet still necessitating caution. Rising again in August to 11 and continuing at 13 in September and October, the extremely high exposure category persists, with burn times remaining short at 10 minutes. November and December close the year with levels at 14 and 16, respectively. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, especially during the high-risk months of January to April and maintain sun safety practices year-round, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade when outdoors.
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 |
| Antananarivo UVI | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Antsirabe | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 |