Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Pemba, Mozambique, where the sun can be both a source of warmth and a risk to skin health. With varying UV levels throughout the day, being aware of these fluctuations helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Pemba's tropical climate brings with it intense sunlight, particularly from 10 AM to 2 PM, when UV exposure peaks at an alarming 9. By learning to monitor the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and vibrant outdoor activities of Pemba while keeping your skin safe from harmful rays.
The UV Index data paints a vivid picture of sun exposure throughout the day. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it quickly escalates, reaching a peak of 9 by 11:00 and 12:00. This indicates a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, especially during the vibrant hours of 10:00 to 13:00 when the index hovers between 8 and 9. As the afternoon progresses, a noticeable decline occurs, dropping to 4 by 14:00 and further to 2 by 15:00. The sun's intensity wanes by 16:00, falling to 1, and by 17:00, it disappears altogether, with the index dropping to 0 for the rest of the evening. It's a day that underscores the importance of sun safety, particularly around midday when UV radiation is at its highest.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | 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 |