Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Poste de Flacq, Mauritius, where the tropical climate can lead to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, especially during midday hours. Awareness of UV levels is essential to protect your skin from harmful sunburn, minimize long-term health risks, and enhance overall well-being. With peak UV Index values soaring to 8 around noon, it's important to take precautions during these hours to safeguard your skin. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Mauritius sunshine while promoting healthy skin.
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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | 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 |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poste de Flacq | 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 |