Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Geita, Tanzania, where the sun's intensity can pose significant risks to skin health. With a tropical Aw climate, the region experiences high UV levels, particularly around midday when the index can soar to 12, indicating extreme risk. Being aware of these UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in protecting against long-term skin damage. A little preparation, like wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen, can make a big difference in enjoying the beautiful sun-soaked days of Geita safely.
The UV Index rises sharply throughout the morning, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00 and creeping up to 3 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches its peak intensity at 12:00, with a blistering 11 on the scale. This is the critical window for sun safety, as the index remains high, soaring to 12 at 13:00 before gradually declining to 10 at 14:00. The afternoon heat still commands attention with a UV level of 8 at 15:00, but it tapers down to 4 by 16:00 and dwindles as evening approaches, landing at 1 by 18:00 and finally dropping to 0 by 19:00. Staying sun smart during peak hours can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays!
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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index varies little, consistently remaining in the extreme exposure category, particularly from January to April, where it peaks at 16 in March. This indicates a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, especially during these high-risk months. Even in late spring and summer, when the UV Index drops slightly, burn times remain dangerously low at just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures year-round, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly from January through April and during other months when UV levels are elevated. Always be mindful of your time in the sun to avoid skin damage.
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 UVI | 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 |
Geita | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 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 |