Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Mahibadhoo, Maldives, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With peak UV levels reaching a staggering 14 around noon, awareness of UV exposure can help residents and visitors make informed decisions about sun protection. Located in a tropical climate, Mahibadhoo experiences significant sunlight throughout the year, making it essential to monitor UV levels daily. By being vigilant about the UV Index, you can enjoy the stunning beaches and vibrant marine life while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a striking pattern, peaking sharply during the midday hours. Starting early, at 07:00, it begins at a modest 1, slowly climbing to 2 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher, the index reaches a significant 9 by 10:00 and escalates to a glaring 14 at 12:00, marking the height of solar intensity. Interestingly, this midday zenith of 12:00 draws a slight decline by 14:00, settling at 10. From there, a gentle descent occurs, with values dropping to 6 by 15:00 and further down to 3 at 16:00. The evening hours see a return to low levels, closing out the day with 1 at 17:00 and fading to 0 by 19:00. This data highlights the critical need for sun protection during the peak hours when UV radiation is the strongest.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, indicating extreme exposure risk in every month. Notably, the highest UV Index values occur from March to April, peaking at 16, while the index slightly dips but remains significant from June to November. Key high-risk months include February through September, where the UV Index consistently reaches 13 to 15. Visitors and residents are advised to take immediate precautions, such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage, as even a brief 10-minute exposure can result in burns during these periods.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kulhudhuffushi UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 |
| Male UVI | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| Mahibadhoo | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| Thinadhoo UVI | 14 | 14 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 |
| Hithadhoo UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 |
| Fuvahmulah UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 |