Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Mbinga, Tanzania, where the Cwa climate brings a unique mix of sun and seasonal variations. With UV levels peaking around midday and reaching a maximum of 12, awareness of these sun exposure risks is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Knowing the UV Index not only helps in planning outdoor activities but also plays a key role in safeguarding your well-being under the African sun. As Mbinga experiences significant UV radiation throughout the day, being informed allows you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from excessive sunlight.
The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, peaking at 12 between noon and 1 PM, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early morning hours, from 7 AM to 9 AM, feature a low index, varying from 1 to 3, making it safer for outdoor activities. However, as the day heats up, the index surges to 10 at 11 AM and remains elevated until the afternoon. After 3 PM, a gradual decline begins, returning to safer levels by 6 PM and dropping to 0 by 7 PM. To stay safe, it's essential to seek shade and wear sunscreen during peak hours when the UV Index is at its highest!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 |
During the year, extreme UV Index levels remain consistently high from January to April, with values of 16 and a brief burn time of just 10 minutes. May marks a slight decrease to a UV Index of 12, classified as extreme as well, while June and July see a drop to 10 but remain in the very high category, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. As summer transitions into fall, UV Index values begin to fluctuate again, peaking at 14 in September and reducing to 13 in October, both still in the extreme range. November and December maintain a high risk at 14 and 15, respectively. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant from January to April and during the fall months of September through December, utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure to minimize risks of sunburn and skin damage.
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 |
| Mbinga | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 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 |