Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mozambique is crucial for protecting your skin and ensuring overall health. With a tropical climate that sees high levels of UV radiation, awareness of UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. Typically peaking between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, with values reaching as high as 9, the sun's intensity in Mozambique necessitates careful monitoring—especially for outdoor activities. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful Mozambican outdoors while safeguarding yourself against the harmful effects of UV exposure.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, beginning with a low level of 1 at 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs steadily, reaching a delightful peak of 9 by 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating high UV exposure—perfect for outdoor activities but a reminder to wear sunscreen. The afternoon sees a decline, with the index dropping to 7 at 1:00 PM and then falling to 4 by 2:00 PM, suggesting the outdoor conditions are still favorable yet becoming safer. As the day winds down, the UV Index diminishes rapidly, dropping to 1 by 4:00 PM and reaching an inactive level of 0 by 5:00 PM, marking a return to a safer environment as evening approaches.
| 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 | 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 experiences significant variability throughout the year, with extreme levels peaking in the early months. January, February, March, and April all reflect a consistently high UV Index of 16, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Following this, the intensity slightly decreases in May and June, where the UV Index remains very high but allows for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. August sees a return to extreme levels, continuing through September, October, November, and December, with burn times again limited to 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months of January to April and then again in August through November. It's crucial to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, and seek shade to minimize the risk of overexposure to harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Mozambique | 16 | 15 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 |
| Nampula UVI | 17 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 15 |