Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Quelimane, Mozambique, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. With the sun's rays reaching their peak intensity during the day, understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and other harmful effects associated with overexposure. Quelimane's tropical climate, characterized by high humidity and warm temperatures, makes it essential to stay informed about daily UV patterns. Notably, the UV Index can soar to 8 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, highlighting a significant risk for anyone venturing outdoors. By monitoring this index, residents and visitors can enjoy the sun safely while protecting themselves from potential skin damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and gradually climbing to reach its peak at 11:00 AM with a powerful 8. This surge prompts an alert as midday approaches, where 10:00 and 11:00 cut through the morning glow with 6 and 8 respectively. By 12:00 PM, the levels slightly dip to 7, but the UV radiation remains significant. In the early afternoon, the index falls to 6 at 1:00 PM and continues its descent until it hits 4 at 2:00 PM. By late afternoon, the UV threat dwindles, sliding to 2 at 3:00 PM, before dropping to 1 by 4:00 PM. As the sun begins to set, the UV Index completely fades, reaching 0 by 5:00 PM and remaining there into the evening.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | 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 extreme levels from January to April, with monthly readings reaching as high as 16 and a dangerously low burn time of just 10 minutes. Although UV levels decrease slightly in May and June to the very high range (9-8), these months still pose a significant risk, allowing for only 15 minutes of safe sun exposure. August sees a slight increase back to very high at an index of 10, followed by a return to extreme levels in September and October, where burn times are again limited to 10 minutes. The UV Index remains in the extreme zone through November and December, with consistent values of 14. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures year-round, particularly during the high-risk months from January to April and September to December, by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade 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 |
| Quelimane | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 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 |