Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Mtimbira, Tanzania, where the sun shines brightly in its tropical Aw climate. By being aware of UV levels, locals can take necessary precautions against harmful effects such as sunburn and long-term skin damage. In Mtimbira, the UV Index can soar to a maximum of 10 around noon, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Knowledge about peak UV times, particularly from late morning to early afternoon, empowers the community to protect their skin and maintain overall health while enjoying the beautiful Tanzanian sun.
The UV Index data tells an intriguing story of sun exposure throughout the day. Starting from a gentle rise at 07:00, where the index is merely at 1, it steadily climbs. By 09:00, it spikes to 3, but the real surge begins around 10:00, reaching 6. The sun reaches its zenith at 12:00 and 13:00, where it peaks at an impressive 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon fades, the index drops to 9 at 14:00, eventually falling to 6 by 15:00. The day's end brings relief as the index plummets back to 1 by 17:00, and a tranquil 0 at 19:00, signifying the retreat of the sun. Stay sun-safe and enjoy the daylight, but keep an eye on that UV Index!
| 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 | 8 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal variations, with the highest values occurring in the winter and early spring months. From January to April, the index consistently remains at an extreme level of 15-16, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. As we move into May, the index drops slightly to 12 but stays within the extreme category. In the summer months of June and July, the index decreases to 10, categorizing it as very high, which allows for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, the UV levels spike again in August with an index of 12. The months from September to December see levels between 13-14, maintaining an extreme exposure risk. With this data, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take proactive measures in sun protection, especially during high-risk months like January to April and August, ensuring the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Mtimbira | 15 | 16 | 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 |