Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kakonko, Tanzania, where the intense sunshine can elevate the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a climate classified as Aw, Kakonko experiences formidable UV levels, especially during midday hours when the index often peaks at 13 to 14. By being aware of these fluctuations, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin and overall health, ensuring that you enjoy the sun's warmth without compromising your well-being.
From 07:00 AM to 09:00 AM, the UV Index remains low, peaking at just 3 as the sun begins to rise. However, by 10:00 AM, it escalates sharply to 7, signifying the start of stronger UV radiation. The afternoon sees the index reach its maximum at 1:00 PM, hitting a remarkable 14 – a clear signal for sun safety measures. As the sun begins to lower, the intensity decreases gradually, dropping to 10 by 11:00 AM and bouncing back to 12 at 2:00 PM, before tapering off to a mellow 2 by 5:00 PM. By sunset, the UV Index fades back to 0 at 7:00 PM, marking the end of a day infused with sun intensity. If you’re spending time outdoors, be vigilant during peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM for optimal protection against 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | 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 recorded from January to May, peaking at 16 in March. This indicates that high-risk months for sun exposure are primarily from January to May. Even during the summer months of June and July, the index remains elevated at 11. As a result, visitors and residents should take precautionary measures year-round, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Even on less intense days, the potential for skin damage is significant, so staying informed and protected is crucial to maintaining skin health.
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 |
Kakonko | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 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 |