Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Gros Cailloux, Mauritius, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and reduce the long-term risk of skin damage, especially in a region where the sun's intensity peaks regularly. With a climate classified as Am (tropical monsoon), Gros Cailloux experiences significant UV exposure, particularly around midday when the index reaches a high of 8. As you enjoy the beautiful surroundings, staying informed about UV levels is essential for making safe outdoor choices.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 07:00, rising gradually as the sun climbs higher. By 09:00, it reaches 3, indicating a moderate level of UV radiation. The heat of the day peaks at 12:00 with a high of 8, suggesting it’s time to seek shade or apply sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the index slightly drops to 7 at 13:00 and continues to decline, settling at 3 by 15:00. As the sun starts to set, the risk diminishing to 1 at 17:00 and finally dropping to 0 by 18:00, signaling a safer time for outdoor activities as the day winds down. Be mindful of the midday sun to protect your skin!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the region experiences significant fluctuations in UV index levels, peaking during the winter and early spring months. The highest risk months for UV exposure are January through April, where the UV Index consistently measures 16 (extreme) with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. Even as we transition into summer, May marks a reduction to a UV Index of 9 (very high), extending burn time to 15 minutes, while June offers a slight reprieve at 7 (high) for 25 minutes. However, July and August resurge to very high levels of UV exposure, warranting caution. As the year closes, October to December exhibits another surge in risk, returning to extreme levels with an index of 13 to 15 and a burn time of 10 minutes. For residents and visitors alike, it is crucial to practice sun safety year-round, particularly during these higher-risk months, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and minimizing direct sun exposure during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gros Cailloux | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 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 |