Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Makanya, Tanzania, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps ensure effective sunburn prevention and minimizes long-term skin damage. With the region's Aw climate characterized by intense sunlight and elevated UV exposure, particularly during midday hours, locals and visitors alike should take proactive measures. During peak times, the UV Index can soar to a blistering 11, highlighting the need for sun safety practices to enjoy the beautiful Tanzanian environment without compromising skin health.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, starting at a low 1 in the early morning hours of 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 09:00. The midday sun peaks aggressively at 11, with the UV Index hitting its maximum of 11 from 12:00 to 13:00, signaling a high risk for skin damage without protection. Following this peak, values gradually decline, dropping to 9 at 14:00, and tapering down to 6 by 15:00. As the evening approaches, the UV Index falls back to 3 by 16:00 and finally descends to a 1 by 17:00 and 18:00, before sinking to 0 at 19:00, marking the end of the day's UV exposure. It's a reminder to stay vigilant under the sun, especially during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently extreme, with the highest values recorded from January to April, averaging between 15 and 16. High-risk months for UV exposure include February and March, where the UV Index peaks at 16, indicating a very short burn time of only 10 minutes. Despite slightly lower values in the summer months of June and July (UV Index 11), precautions remain essential, as the exposure level remains extreme. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures seriously, especially during these high-risk months, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the risk of UV-related health issues. As a general guideline, it's crucial to stay vigilant against UV exposure throughout the year, as the burn time remains constant at just 10 minutes across all months.
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 |
Makanya | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 |
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 |