Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Malya, Tanzania, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With a climate characterized by its tropical nature, residents and visitors alike are exposed to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. High UV levels, especially during midday, can lead to sunburn, premature skin aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. By being aware of the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely, whether you’re exploring the vibrant landscapes or attending outdoor events. Stay informed and keep your skin healthy!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic ascent and descent, perfectly illustrating the sun's strength in a typical afternoon. At 07:00, the UV Index starts at a modest 1, gradually rising to 2 by 08:00. A noticeable jump occurs by 09:00, reaching 4, but the real intensity hits at 11:00, peaking at 11. The highest point arrives at 13:00 with an impressive 14, showing the day's most intense sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the numbers begin to retreat: by 15:00, the index drops to 8 and further declines to 4 by 16:00. The evening light softens the UV rays, bringing it down to 2 at 17:00, and leading to a calm conclusion of the day at 0 by 19:00. This pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially between 10:00 and 14:00 when UV levels are at their highest.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, with extreme exposure levels particularly from January to April, where the UV Index is at its peak of 16. This signifies that the high-risk months for sunburn and skin damage are during these early months of the year, necessitating extreme caution when outdoors. Even May to July show significant UV levels ranging from 11 to 14, indicating that residents and visitors should maintain vigilance against harmful UV exposure. As the year progresses, while the UV Index remains relatively high, it slightly declines to around 13 by October. To protect your skin, it's crucial to seek shade, wear sunscreen, and don protective clothing during these months, especially when engaging in outdoor activities. Always remember that with such high UV ratings, burn times are critical, and exposure should be limited to 10 minutes during peak sun hours to minimize risks.
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 |
| Mwanza UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Malya | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 12 | 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 |