Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the charming town of Betafo, Madagascar, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it crucial for both residents and visitors to monitor these changes throughout the day. Typically experiencing a Cwb climate, Betafo sees significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours around 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, when the index can reach up to 8. Stay informed and shield yourself from harmful rays to enjoy all that Betafo has to offer!
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 |
| 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 |