Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Montepuez, Mozambique, where sun exposure can pose significant health risks. With its Aw climate, Montepuez is characterized by intense sunlight and high UV levels, particularly between late morning and early afternoon. Awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and promotes long-term skin health, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the outdoors safely. For instance, at its peak, the UV Index reaches levels up to 9 around noon, making protective measures essential during these hours. With this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the sun’s rays while enjoying all that Montepuez has to offer.
During the day, the UV Index showcases a dynamic profile, peaking dramatically between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with values reaching 9, indicating very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. From the early morning at 7:00 AM, when the index starts at a modest 1, it climbs steadily, hitting 5 by 9:00 AM and continuing its ascent to 8 at 10:00 AM. After noon, a gradual decline follows, dropping to 2 by 3:00 PM before plummeting to 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling a decrease in sun intensity. Be sure to take precautions during the peak hours to protect your skin from potential damage!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 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, UV exposure remains alarmingly high, particularly in the first half of the year. From January to April, the UV Index consistently peaks at 16, categorizing it as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. May and August also see extreme levels, while June and July moderate slightly to a very high UV Index of 9, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are January through April and August through November, all maintaining extreme levels. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these peak months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV rays are most intense. Regularly monitoring the UV Index can help ensure safety and reduce the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matola UVI | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 14 |
| Maputo UVI | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 14 |
| Beira UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 |
| Chimoio UVI | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 |
| Nampula UVI | 17 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Montepuez | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 15 |