Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Betafo, Madagascar, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day can help you make informed decisions about sun exposure, especially during peak hours when the UV Index reaches its highest, 10 at noon. With Betafo's Cwb climate zone characterized by warm summers and mild winters, the risk of UV exposure is significant even outside the typical sunny months. Stay informed and protect your skin to enjoy the beautiful outdoor landscapes without worry!
As the day begins, the UV Index starts to rise gradually, peaking at 10 around noon, indicating a high level of solar radiation. From 07:00 to 09:00, it remains low, hovering between 1 and 5. The intensity surges dramatically at 10:00, reaching 8, and continues to climb until it hits its maximum at 12:00. After this peak, there's a steady decline in UV levels, dropping to 6 by 14:00, and further down to 3 by 15:00. By evening, the index falls to 1 and eventually dips to 0 after 18:00, signaling the end of intense sun exposure. Be sure to take precautions during 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
| Betafo | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Antsirabe UVI | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 |