Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Mtama, Tanzania, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage, especially in a region where the climate can expose residents to high UV radiation levels. With the typical peaks reaching a UV Index of 10 around midday, it’s important to take precautionary measures to safeguard against the intense sun, particularly given Mtama's Aw climate, characterized by warm temperatures and abundant sunlight. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low at 1 from 07:00 to 09:00, ideal for early morning outdoor activities. However, as the clock strikes 10:00, it escalates dramatically to 6, urging caution for midday sun exposure. The peak intensity occurs between 12:00 and 13:00, where the UV Index soars to its maximum at 10, signaling a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually declines, dropping to 8 at 14:00 and tapering down to 5 by 15:00. Finally, by 17:00, it dips back to 1, and by 19:00, it settles at 0, signaling the safe return of evening shadows. Be mindful of sun safety during those critical 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes throughout the year, with high-risk months identified as January to April and again in August to November, where the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels of 15 to 14, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. In June and July, the UV Index drops slightly to 10 with a very high exposure category, but caution is still warranted as the burn time increases to 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should take preventative measures during these high-risk months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible to minimize UV exposure and reduce the risk of 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 |
Mtama | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
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 |
Mbeya UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 |