Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Dondo, Mozambique, where the sun’s relentless rays can pose significant risks to skin health. With its hot Aw climate, knowing daily UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin protection. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to 9, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed and taking precautionary measures, you can enjoy the beautiful Dondo sunshine while safeguarding your skin.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the UV Index reaches its peak during midday, showcasing a striking pattern in the hourly data. Starting at a modest 1 by 07:00, it gradually escalates, hitting 2 by 08:00. The intensity continues to rise, peaking at a formidable 9 by both 11:00 and 12:00—a clear invitation to slather on the sunscreen! As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 7 at 13:00, and gently tapering off to 3 by 15:00. By late afternoon and into the evening, the UV threat recedes, plummeting to 1 at 16:00, and finally fading into 0 from 18:00 onward. This hourly journey underscores the importance of sun safety at its zenith!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 demonstrates significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk months occurring from January to April and again in September, October, and November, all classified as extreme exposure. During these peak times, individuals are at risk of sunburn within as little as 10 minutes of direct sunlight. May through July sees a slight decrease, shifting to a very high and high risk level, allowing for a longer burn time of 15-25 minutes. In contrast, August returns to very high levels (15 minutes burn time), highlighting the continued need for protection. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these high-risk months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible to avoid harmful UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the sun's rays are most intense.
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 |
| Dondo | 16 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 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 |