Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for the residents and visitors of Malya, Tanzania, where the sun can be both a source of warmth and a potential hazard. As this charming town experiences an Aw climate, the intensity of UV radiation can vary significantly throughout the day. Knowledge of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially when indices peak at 11 between noon and 1 PM. Staying informed about local UV exposure risks not only helps in making smart decisions for outdoor activities but also protects you from long-term skin damage that can occur with prolonged sun exposure.
As the sun rises and warms the day, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it safe to venture outdoors without much protection. By 09:00, it jumps to a moderate 3, hinting at the increasing intensity. The real peak arrives between 11:00 and 13:00, where the index soars to an impressive 11, signifying a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon rolls on, the index gradually dips, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and then descending through the late afternoon to 2 by 17:00. The sun sets the scene for a safe evening as the index returns to 1 at 18:00, finally resting at 0 by 19:00. This hourly dance of UV radiation highlights the importance of sun safety during those peak 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |