UV Index in Mtwara, Tanzania

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Mtwara, Tanzania is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With its tropical climate and consistently high UV exposure, Mtwara experiences significant risks during peak hours, where the UV Index can soar to 11 around midday. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for reducing long-term skin damage, including the risk of skin cancer. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection strategies, ensuring your time in the sun remains enjoyable and safe.

Hourly UV Index in Mtwara

As the day unfolds, the UV Index reaches its peak between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, soaring to a striking 11. The morning starts gently, with the index at a modest 1 by 7:00 AM, slowly climbing to 4 by 9:00 AM. The sun then intensifies, pushing the index to a strong 10 at 11:00 AM, signaling it's time to seek shade and protect your skin. By 2:00 PM, it begins to wane, dropping to 8, and further decreases to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index continues to fall, reaching 2 at 4:00 PM, and finally settling at 1 by 5:00 PM and 0 as the sun sets at 6:00 PM. Stay aware and shield yourself during those crucial midday hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	10	very high	15 min
14:00	8	very high	15 min
15:00	5	moderate	30 min
16:00	2	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Mtwara

Throughout the year, UV exposure remains notably high, particularly from January to April, where the UV Index consistently peaks at 15, classifying it as extreme with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. As we move into May, the UV Index drops slightly to 11, still categorized as extreme, before declining further in June and July to a UV Index of 10, now in the very high category with a burn time of 15 minutes. August through October see a resurgence, with UV Index values returning to the extreme zone, highlighting September and November as particularly high-risk months. Residents and visitors should prioritize sun safety during these peak UV months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to mitigate the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Mtwara, Tanzania

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Mtwara. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Mtwara, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Mtwara UV Index with Other Tanzania Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Mtwara compares to other major locations across Tanzania. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Mtwara's solar exposure compared to other cities in Tanzania. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Mtwara	15	15	15	14	11	10	10	12	13	13	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