Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Makungu, Tanzania, particularly due to its Cwa climate that brings significant sunlight throughout the year. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to a maximum of 11 around noon. Thus, knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen can make a world of difference against the harsh sun's rays. With typical UV exposure risks especially high between 10 AM and 3 PM, keeping informed about the UV Index in Makungu is key to enjoying the outdoors safely.
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 in this region remains consistently high throughout the year, with extreme exposure categories dominating from January to June and again in August through November. Notably, March records the highest UV Index at 17, while January, February, April, May, June, July, and October through December hover around 14 to 16. The high-risk months to watch out for are from January to April and August to September, during which the UV Index regularly reaches extreme levels. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure to no more than 10 minutes during peak hours 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 |
Arusha UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 |
Makungu | 16 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 |
Mbeya UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 |