Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Pemba, Mozambique, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. As a coastal city with an Aw climate, Pemba experiences high UV levels, especially during the midday hours when the risk of sunburn significantly increases. With the UV Index peaking at 9 around noon, being aware of these levels not only helps in planning outdoor activities but also plays a vital role in promoting long-term skin health and preventing conditions related to excessive sun exposure. Stay informed to enjoy Pemba's stunning beaches while keeping your skin safe!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a modest level of 1 at 07:00, indicating a low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By 08:00, it climbs to 3, and then steadily escalates to its peak of 9 between 11:00 and 12:00. This is the moment when caution is crucial, as prolonged exposure can lead to skin damage. By 13:00, the index dips slightly to 7, but it continues to decrease through the afternoon. By 15:00, it falls to 2, and then drops to 1 by 16:00. Finally, as night approaches, the index returns to 0 from 18:00 onwards, signaling a safe time to enjoy the outdoors without sun protection. Remember, during those peak hours, staying shaded and wearing sunscreen is key to safeguarding your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
The UV index exhibits significant fluctuations throughout the year, with January through March consistently marked by an extreme exposure category and a UV Index of 15, implying a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into April and May, the UV Index slightly decreases to 14 and 11 respectively, but remains within the extreme category, maintaining a burn time of 10 minutes in April. Moving into June and July, the UV Index drops to 9 and shifts to a very high exposure category, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. In late summer and early fall, August through October sees a resurgence in extreme values, with indexes ranging from 12 to 14 and a burn time of 10 minutes. November and December also maintain an extreme rating with a UV Index of 14, reminding visitors and residents that vigilance against UV exposure is critical. In summary, the months from January to March and August to December represent high-risk periods, and it is advisable for individuals to take precautions such as wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen regularly during outdoor activities to minimize the risk of 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 |
| Pemba | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 |
| Nampula UVI | 17 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 15 |