Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Bunda, Tanzania, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, especially given the region's Aw climate, characterized by warm temperatures and intense midday sun. With UV Index values soaring to as high as 11 during peak hours, it's important to recognize the risks associated with outdoor activities, ensuring that you protect your skin by taking appropriate precautions. Embrace the beauty of Bunda while safeguarding your health!
As the sun rises and warms the day, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it safe to venture outdoors without much protection. By 09:00, it jumps to a moderate 3, hinting at the increasing intensity. The real peak arrives between 11:00 and 13:00, where the index soars to an impressive 11, signifying a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon rolls on, the index gradually dips, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and then descending through the late afternoon to 2 by 17:00. The sun sets the scene for a safe evening as the index returns to 1 at 18:00, finally resting at 0 by 19:00. This hourly dance of UV radiation highlights the importance of sun safety during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains at an extreme level, with values peaking during the early months. From January to March, the UV Index consistently reaches 16, indicating a high risk for sunburn within just 10 minutes of exposure. Although the index slightly decreases in April to 15, it remains perilously high, dropping only to 11 by June and July, then rising again in August and September. As fall approaches, the index remains above 10 through December. Given these trends, it is crucial for both residents and visitors to take precautions against sun exposure, especially in the high-risk months of January through March. Regular use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours are recommended to safeguard skin health year-round.
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 |
| Bunda | 14 | 16 | 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 |