Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mtimbira, Tanzania, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health from the sun's harmful rays. The UV Index serves as a vital indicator, helping residents and visitors alike gauge the intensity of UV radiation throughout the day and take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Mtimbira's ** Aw climate**, characterized by its warm temperatures and significant sun exposure, it's essential to be aware of peak UV levels—reaching a high of 12 around noon—so you can enjoy the outdoors safely. Stay informed to keep your skin healthy and enjoy the beauty of Mtimbira without the concern of overexposure!
The UV Index today paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity as it climbs briskly throughout the morning. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00, it escalates to a moderate 2 by 08:00. However, the real peak arrives at 11:00, where the UV Index surges to an eye-opening 10, and reaches its highest point of 12 by 12:00, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins its descent, dropping to 6 by 15:00, and continuing to mellow towards 3 at 16:00. As the sun sets, the index falls back to a comfortable 1 by 17:00, culminating in a 0 at 19:00. A good reminder to be cautious during the midday hours when the sun is at its strongest!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
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 |