Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Sepuka, Tanzania, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's subtropical climate, the sun can be quite intense, especially during midday hours when UV levels peak, presenting a high risk for sunburn and long-term skin damage. Awareness of the UV Index allows residents and visitors to take necessary precautions against harmful rays, promoting better skin health and preventing immediate discomfort from sun exposure. As you navigate daily activities, keep an eye on UV levels—especially when they rise to moderate (4) and very high (11-13)—to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience under the Tanzanian sun.
The UV Index today exhibits a remarkable ascent, peaking at a staggering 13 between noon and 1 PM. Starting from a mild 1 at 7 AM, the intensity quickly escalates, registering 2 by 8 AM, and reaching 4 by 9 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index surges to a robust 8 at 10 AM and spikes to its maximum at 11 AM. After this zenith, the UV Index begins to gracefully decline, dropping back to 11 at 2 PM, then tapering to 4 by 4 PM, and finally waning to a gentle 1 at 6 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index slips below 1 at 7 PM. Make sure to protect your skin between 11 AM and 2 PM when the sun's rays are most potent!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 consistently remains at an extreme level, especially from January through April, where it peaks at 16. This indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of just 10 minutes for most individuals. While the index slightly declines in May and June, it still remains substantial at 13 and 11, respectively. Notably, July and August see a marginal increase back to 12 and 13 before tapering off slightly in September at 15. The UV Index continues to remain notably high into the late months, with figures still resting at 13 in October and November, and 14 in December. Therefore, both visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures year-round, particularly during high-risk months from January to April, by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade whenever possible to mitigate the risk of sunburn and long-term 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 |
| Arusha UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 |
| Sepuka | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 14 |
| Mbeya UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 |