Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Iringa, Tanzania, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Iringa's Cwb climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, UV exposure can be particularly high during midday hours, reaching critical levels of 11 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoor environment safely while minimizing risks associated with overexposure to the sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 1 around 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, making early hours relatively safe for outdoor activities. However, as the day progresses, the intensity heats up significantly, peaking at 11 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, indicating high UV exposure. This midday sun suggests that taking precautions like wearing sunscreen and protective clothing is essential. Fortunately, the UV levels begin to decline in the afternoon, dropping to 9 by 2:00 PM and gradually tapering off to 1 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the index finally settles at 0 by 7:00 PM, making it a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors without the worry of UV exposure.
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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, with extreme exposure levels reported from January to March and continuing strongly into July, indicating that sun safety is essential for all residents and visitors. The months of April, May, August, September, October, and November also maintain a high UV Index, though slightly lower than peak levels in the earlier months. Notably, February through April and October present high-risk conditions, where a burn time of just 10 minutes can occur. To ensure safety, individuals are advised to limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly, especially during these high-risk months to prevent 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 |
Iringa | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 |
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 |