Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Grande Riviere Noire, Mauritius, where the tropical climate brings about varying levels of sun exposure throughout the day. With UV levels reaching as high as 7 at noon, being aware of these indices is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. The sun can be deceptive, and even short exposures during peak hours can lead to significant skin damage. With this in mind, knowing when to seek shade and don protective clothing can make a world of difference in enjoying the beautiful beaches and scenery of Grande Riviere Noire while keeping your skin safe from harmful UV radiation.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off low, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises higher, it reaches 3 by 09:00, before climbing to a peak of 7 at 12:00. This midday intensity signifies a need for sun protection, especially during the height of the day when UV exposure is most potent. The index begins to decline in the afternoon, dropping to 5 at 14:00 and settling back to 1 by 17:00. By 18:00 and into the evening, the UV Index sharply drops to 0, marking a safe time to enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of sunburn. Stay sun-safe!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with extreme exposure categories dominating the winter months from January to March and returning again in the fall from September to November. This indicates that these months, particularly January, February, and March, alongside September and November, are high-risk periods for UV exposure, with a consistent burn time of just 10 minutes. April also marks a transition into extreme levels with a slightly lower UV Index of 12. As summer approaches, UV levels drop but remain notable, with May through July categorized as very high and high, respectively. For visitors and residents, it is critical to take precautions during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and minimizing sun exposure during peak hours, even in months with lower index readings. Staying informed and protected will ensure safety while enjoying outdoor activities.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grande Riviere Noire | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 |
| Quatre Bornes UVI | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| Curepipe UVI | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| Vacoas UVI | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| Beau Bassin-Rose Hill UVI | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| Port Louis UVI | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |