Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Matonga, Tanzania, where the warm, tropical climate can lead to high levels of UV radiation. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV readings reaching up to 12 from 1 PM to 2 PM, the risks of overexposure are significant during the day. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can enhance your outdoor experiences while safeguarding your skin in this beautiful region.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic shift in sun strength. Starting off with a gentle maximum of 1 at both 07:00 and 08:00, the intensity begins to rise, reaching a moderate level of 3 by 09:00. As the clock strikes 10:00, the index leaps to 6, and by 11:00, it surges to 9, indicating increasing caution is needed. The day peaks at a scorching 11 at 12:00 and reaches its zenith with an astounding 12 at 13:00. A gradual decline follows, with levels dropping to 10 at 14:00, then 7 at 15:00, and finally settling back to 4 at 16:00. As the sun starts to set, the index plummets to 2 at 17:00, then quiets to 1 by 18:00, before dropping to 0 at 19:00. Be sure to take care during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | 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 |
| Matonga | 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 |