Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. Understanding UV levels is not just a matter of preventing painful sunburns; it's essential for minimizing the long-term risks of skin cancer and maintaining overall well-being. With its tropical climate, Dar es Salaam experiences significant UV exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when levels can soar to 12, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and protect yourself as you enjoy the vibrant beauty of this coastal city!
The UV Index for the day illustrates a clear pattern of rising intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs to 2 by 8:00 AM, signaling the start of a moderately low UV risk. By 9:00 AM, it hits 4, marking the onset of more noticeable sun exposure. The sun reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, where the UV index peaks at an intense 12—a critical time for sun safety. As afternoon gives way to evening, the index begins to decline, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM and sinking to a gentle 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, by 7:00 PM, the UV threat diminishes entirely, with a reading of 0. A day's journey through UV risk highlights the importance of protection during those midday hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index indicates significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring from January to March and again in August. The majority of the months display an extreme exposure category, particularly from January to April and in September. May, though slightly lower, remains a month of concern with a UV Index of 12, while June and July, categorized as very high, offer a brief respite with a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant during these high-risk months, especially between January and March when the UV Index peaks at 15, suggesting a burn time of just 10 minutes. It is advisable for everyone to take robust sun protection measures, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak hours, to mitigate the risks associated with high UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zanzibar UVI | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Dar es Salaam | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Mwanza UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Arusha UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 |
| Mbeya UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 |