Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Inhambane, Mozambique is crucial for sun safety and skin health. As an area with a tropical Aw climate, Inhambane experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking around midday when the risk of sunburn is highest. With UV Index values reaching 6 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, awareness of these levels is essential to prevent harmful skin damage and maintain overall health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors can take informed precautions against excessive sun exposure and enjoy the beautiful coastal climate safely.
The UV Index throughout the day peaks at 6 around 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, signaling the highest risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during these hours. Starting off with a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually rises to a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. From there, it climbs to 5 by 10:00 AM, reaching its climax at 6 during midday. As the afternoon progresses, the index declines, dropping back to 2 by 3:00 PM and further to 1 at 4:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, the UV Index reaches 0, indicating minimal risk for skin damage as the sun begins to set. For anyone spending time outdoors, it's crucial to stay sun safe during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | 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 demonstrates significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk observed from January to April, where values reach up to 15 and fall within the extreme exposure category, indicating a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months, as prolonged exposure can lead to serious skin damage. May marks a transition to a very high risk with an index of 8, allowing a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. During the summer months of June and July, the UV Index decreases to 6, categorized as high, with a burn time of 25 minutes, yet caution is still warranted. As autumn approaches, UV levels begin to rise again in September and October, reaching back to the extreme levels seen at the start of the year. It’s advisable for everyone to stay informed about daily UV levels, wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen, and seek shade during peak hours, especially in the high-risk months.
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 |
| Inhambane | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 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 |