Last updated: September 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Ifanadiana, Madagascar, where the climate is characterized as Cfa—a humid subtropical zone that can often lead to higher UV exposure. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, especially during peak hours when the index rises to 8 around noon. With varying UV readings throughout the day, it's essential to know when the sun's rays can be most harmful, allowing you to enjoy the outdoor beauty of Ifanadiana while protecting your skin against potential risks.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a sharp increase in intensity, peaking around 12:00 PM, where it reaches an impressive 8. Early morning hours start softly with a maximum of 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to 3 by 09:00 and hitting 6 at 10:00. 11:00 marks a significant rise to 7, before hitting the day’s zenith at 12:00. As the afternoon progresses, we see a decline, dropping to 5 by 14:00 and diminishing further to 3 by 15:00. The UV Index then falls sharply in the late afternoon and evening, settling back down to 1 by 17:00 and ultimately reaching 0 as night takes over. It’s crucial to stay safe under the sun during those peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | 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 experiences significant seasonal variation, with the highest values occurring from January to April, where it remains in the extreme category, peaking at 17 in January. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from January through April, with notable indices of 16 in February and 14 in March. As the year progresses into the summer and early fall, the UV Index gradually decreases, ranging from 7 to 11, categorizing those months as high to very high risk, particularly in July and August. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize exposure. Always remember that even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate through the clouds, so it's essential to remain vigilant year-round!
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ifanadiana | 17 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| 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 |