Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cargados Carajos, Mauritius is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As the tropical climate boasts beautiful sunny days, awareness of UV levels is essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With peak UV Index values soaring to 8 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, it's vital to be vigilant, especially during midday when exposure risks are highest. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the stunning beaches and vibrant landscapes of Cargados Carajos while safeguarding your skin from harmful UV radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, signaling a mild increase in UV exposure. The intensity heats up quickly, reaching a moderate 4 by 9:00 AM, before hitting its peak of 8 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is the prime time for sun safety awareness! After noon, the UV Index gradually declines; by 3:00 PM, it recedes to 3, and as the day wanes, it drops significantly to 1 by 4:00 PM. By evening, UV levels have diminished, reaching 0 by 6:00 PM, offering a reprieve from the sun’s rays.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index varies significantly, with the highest values recorded during the winter and late fall months. The months of January through April exhibit extreme UV levels, reaching a peak of 17 in February, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As UV levels decrease slightly into May and June, they remain notably high, classified as very high, allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, the period from August to November sees a return to extreme levels, maintaining a burn time of 10 minutes at indexes reaching up to 14 in November. It is crucial for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and take protective measures during these high-risk months—particularly from January through April and again from August through November—by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Cargados Carajos | 16 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |