Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ifakara, Tanzania, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health against the sun's harmful rays. With the region's Aw climate, which features a mix of sunshine and occasional rains, locals and visitors alike can experience varying UV levels throughout the day. Being aware of these levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially when the UV index peaks at a high 10 between noon and 1 PM. Protect yourself by understanding when to seek shade or apply sunscreen, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in this vibrant part of Tanzania.
As the sun rises on this bright day, the UV Index remains low at 1 between 07:00 and 08:00. However, as the morning progresses, the intensity ramps up sharply, hitting 3 by 09:00 and soaring to 6 by 10:00. The midday sun reaches its peak, with an astonishing index of 10 from 12:00 to 13:00, signaling a strong need for sun protection. Fortunately, the UV exposure begins to taper off after this peak, sliding back to 9 at 14:00 and then receding to 6, 3, and finally back to 1 between 15:00 and 18:00. As evening descends, the UV Index drops to 0 by 19:00, welcoming the cool relief of twilight.
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 9 | 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 shows significant seasonal variation, with the highest risk occurring during the months of January through April, where the UV Index consistently reaches 15, indicating an extreme exposure category and a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. Following this period, May sees a slight reduction to 12 (extreme), while June and July drop to 10 (very high) with a burn time of 15 minutes. As summer transitions into autumn, the UV Index rises again to 12 in August and 13 from September through November, where the burn time remains at 10 minutes. December finishes the year at 14 (extreme). Given these values, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautionary measures, including applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the high-risk months of January to April and the transitional months of August to November.
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 |
Ifakara | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |