Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Souillac, Mauritius, understanding the UV Index is vital for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the island's tropical climate often exposing residents and visitors to high UV levels, being aware of these readings can help prevent painful sunburn and long-term skin damage. From mid-morning to early afternoon, the UV Index surges, reaching a peak of 9 at noon, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful Mauritian sunshine while protecting your skin from its potential hazards.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb steadily, hitting a low of 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, signaling the start of a brighter day. The index peaks at 9 at 12:00 PM, marking the sun’s most intense rays and urging everyone outside to take precautions. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually declines—dropping to 8 by 1:00 PM, then easing to 3 by 3:00 PM, before plummeting to 0 after 6:00 PM. This data highlights the crucial midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest, emphasizing the need for sun protection during this window. Be sun-smart and enjoy your day!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Souillac | 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 |