Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Somanda, Tanzania, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors take proactive measures against the harmful effects of sun exposure, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 12. With a climate classified as Aw, Somanda experiences significant UV radiation, making it essential to stay informed about daily fluctuations in UV intensity. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful, sunny days while protecting your skin from potential damage.
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 |
The UV Index exhibits seasonal changes that highlight a persistent risk throughout the year, with extreme exposure levels from January through October. Notably, February to April show consistently high values of 16, marking them as high-risk months for sunburn with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Even during sunnier summer months like June to August, the index remains severe, ranging from 11 to 13. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures, including wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with a high SPF, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight hours. Due to the extreme conditions, it is critical to stay vigilant against UV exposure year-round.
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 |
Somanda | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 |
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 |