Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Quatre Cocos, Mauritius, where the tropical climate poses unique sun exposure risks. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With daily peaks often reaching as high as 7 around noon, it's important to stay informed about when to seek shelter, reapply sunscreen, and protect your skin from harmful UV rays. As a vibrant coastal area with ample sunshine, Quatre Cocos invites you to enjoy its beauty responsibly—so stay sun-smart and make every beach day a safe one!
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 |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quatre Cocos | 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 |