Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Chibuto, Mozambique, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. With a predominantly Aw climate, residents and visitors alike face unique challenges, particularly during the midday hours when UV levels peak at 6—a time when even short exposures can lead to sunburn. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can make informed choices to prevent skin damage and promote overall skin health, ensuring enjoyable and safe outdoor experiences in this vibrant region.
The UV Index starts low in the early morning, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 and 12:00—the perfect time to take precautions if heading outside. By 13:00, it dips slightly to 5, and a more noticeable decline occurs in the afternoon, falling to 2 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops off sharply, reaching 1 by 16:00, and finally 0 past 18:00. It’s clear that midday sun calls for some sun safety measures, but the later hours provide a much more forgiving environment for enjoying the outdoors!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
14:00 | 4 | 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 index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying risks for sun exposure. The highest risk months are from January to March and from October to December, with UV indices peaking at 15 in January and December. During these months, the exposure category is considered extreme, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. The spring months see a slight decrease, with April dropping to a very high level of 10, while May and June offer a moderate risk, with indices of 7 and 5 respectively. July and August see a return to high UV levels, particularly in August at 8. As such, residents and visitors should take precautions during these high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to minimize the risk of UV 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 |
Chibuto | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 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 |