Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. This vibrant coastal city experiences a tropical savanna climate, where the sun's rays can become dangerously intense, particularly around midday. Being aware of the UV levels can help residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, as the UV Index frequently peaks at 10 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. By keeping track of these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while taking the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin against harmful UV radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low at 1 from 07:00 to 09:00, ideal for early morning outdoor activities. However, as the clock strikes 10:00, it escalates dramatically to 6, urging caution for midday sun exposure. The peak intensity occurs between 12:00 and 13:00, where the UV Index soars to its maximum at 10, signaling a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually declines, dropping to 8 at 14:00 and tapering down to 5 by 15:00. Finally, by 17:00, it dips back to 1, and by 19:00, it settles at 0, signaling the safe return of evening shadows. Be mindful of sun safety during those critical hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |