Last updated: August 1, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Ruangwa, Tanzania, especially given the region's Aw climate which offers abundant sunshine year-round. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV readings soaring to 10 around midday, the potential for skin damage increases significantly during these hours. In Ruangwa, where the sun shines brightly, being informed about UV exposure risks can empower you to safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful outdoors!
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 data reveals significant seasonal variations, with high-risk months predominantly occurring from January to April when the index remains at a strikingly high level of 15, categorized as extreme, resulting in a quick burn time of merely 10 minutes. As the year progresses into June and July, the index slightly decreases to 10, marked as very high, allowing for a somewhat longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise extreme caution during these peak months by wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and applying sunscreen frequently. In the latter part of the year, particularly from August to November, the UV levels still pose a risk, staying in the extreme category; therefore, regular sun safety practices are essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Always remain vigilant, as a simple 10-minute exposure can lead to significant skin damage during these high-risk periods.
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 |
| Ruangwa | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 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 |