Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cottage, Mauritius is crucial for ensuring your sun safety. With the tropical climate of this beautiful region, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant about UV levels, particularly during peak hours when they can reach as high as 7 around noon. Awareness of the UV Index not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also promotes long-term skin health by mitigating the risks associated with excessive UV exposure. On sunny days, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM, Cottage experiences heightened UV radiation, making it essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions while enjoying the island's stunning outdoor activities.
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 seasonal variations, peaking in the early months of the year. From January to April, the UV Index remains at an extreme level, ranging from 16 to 12, with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into late spring and summer, the UV Index slightly decreases, reaching a very high level of 9 in May and fluctuating between 7 to 10 in June to August, resulting in burn times of 15 to 25 minutes. However, the risk remains elevated, with September to December witnessing a return to extreme levels once again, particularly in November at 14. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of January to April and September to November, ensuring they take appropriate sun safety measures, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting direct sun exposure 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 |
| Cottage | 16 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |