Last updated: September 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Manakara, Madagascar, where the tropical climate brings intense sun exposure year-round. Awareness of UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can reach as high as 7 around midday. With UV exposure risks heightened in this coastal city, it's vital to stay informed about these levels to protect yourself while enjoying the beautiful beaches and vibrant landscapes of Manakara.
The UV Index data paints a clear picture of how exposure to ultraviolet rays varies throughout the day. Starting at a low level of 1 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs to peak at 7 from 11:00 to 12:00, indicating the times when sun protection is most crucial. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips to 6 at 13:00, then gently declines to 4 by 14:00. The evening hours see a significant drop, with values falling to 2 at 15:00 and retreating to 1 at 16:00. By nightfall, the UV Index drops to 0 from 18:00 onward, signalling a safe time for outdoor activities without the need for sun protection. Enjoy the sunshine, but be mindful of the peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 6 | 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 variations, with extreme levels predominating from January through April and again in September through November. The highest risk months are January through April, and September through November, where the UV Index reaches levels as high as 16, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, May to August presents slightly lower but still significant UV levels, ranging from very high to high exposure categories. As such, it is advisable for both visitors and residents to take preventive measures, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours to mitigate the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Manakara | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 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 |