Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kitama, Tanzania, where the tropical climate brings significant sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching up to 10 during midday, awareness of UV intensity is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. Knowledge of local UV conditions can help you take proactive measures—like seeking shade or using sunscreen—ensuring enjoyable outdoor experiences while minimizing the risk of skin damage. As you explore the beauty of Kitama, keeping an eye on the UV Index can make all the difference in safeguarding your skin against harmful rays.
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 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 in our region shows a consistent pattern of high to extreme levels throughout the year, with only a slight dip during the summer months. January to April maintain an extreme exposure category with a UV Index of 15, presenting a burn time of just 10 minutes. As we move into May, the index drops to 11, still considered extreme, while June and July lower slightly to 10 but remain in the very high category, allowing for 15 minutes of safe exposure. August to October return to extreme levels with indices of 12 to 14, followed by November and December at 14. High-risk months are primarily January through April and again in August to October, where the likelihood of sunburn is significant. Visitors and residents are advised to practice sun safety by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during these high-risk months, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
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 |
| Kitama | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 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 |