Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cottage, Mauritius is crucial for ensuring your skin's health while enjoying the beautiful sun-drenched days. With the potential for high UV levels, particularly around midday, being aware of these readings can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Cottage's tropical climate delivers consistent exposure to UV radiation, with the index peaking at an intensity of 8 during midday hours. This means that taking protective measures is essential for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy the stunning outdoor activities without compromising their skin health.
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 |
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 |