Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ikwiriri, Tanzania, is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With this coastal town nestled in a climate zone characterized by intense sunlight, awareness of UV levels is crucial for both residents and visitors alike. As the UV Index peaks at a staggering 12 around noon, the risk of harmful exposure increases significantly during the day. By tracking these levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself against potential skin damage, ensuring that the vibrant beauty of Ikwiriri can be enjoyed safely under the sun.
The UV Index for the day illustrates a clear pattern of rising intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs to 2 by 8:00 AM, signaling the start of a moderately low UV risk. By 9:00 AM, it hits 4, marking the onset of more noticeable sun exposure. The sun reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, where the UV index peaks at an intense 12—a critical time for sun safety. As afternoon gives way to evening, the index begins to decline, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM and sinking to a gentle 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, by 7:00 PM, the UV threat diminishes entirely, with a reading of 0. A day's journey through UV risk highlights the importance of protection during those midday hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking during the winter and early spring months. January to April consistently record extreme UV levels, with a UV Index ranging from 14 to 15 and a dangerously short burn time of just 10 minutes. The summer months of June and July see a slight decrease to a very high UV Index of 10, allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, the intensity ramps up again in August and September, returning to extreme levels with an Index of 12-13 and a short burn time of just 10 minutes. October and December also retain high UV doses, necessitating vigilance. For residents and visitors, it is crucial to protect your skin, particularly during the high-risk months of January through April and later from August to November. Utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade can help mitigate risks during these months when UV exposure is most intense.
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 |
| Ikwiriri | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 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 |