Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Itumba, Tanzania, awareness of the UV Index is essential for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the daily UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With Itumba's temperate climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, UV exposure can peak dramatically, particularly around midday. For instance, during the sunniest hours, the UV Index can soar to a hazardous 11, signaling a critical need for protective measures. Stay informed and safeguard your skin by monitoring the UV Index to enjoy the beautiful outdoors without compromising your health.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of solar intensity, peaking sharply in the late morning. At 07:00, the UV Index starts off modestly at 1, but by 08:00, it climbs to 3, indicating a gradual increase in sunlight. As the day progresses, it reaches 5 at 09:00 and then escalates dramatically to 8 by 10:00. The sun's strength hits its zenith at 11:00 with a striking 10, peaking even further at 12:00, where it soars to 11—an optimal time for sun protection. After this high, the UV Index begins to wane, falling back to 10 at 13:00, before declining steadily to 4 at 15:00, 2 at 16:00, and eventually drifting down to 1 by 17:00. As dusk approaches, the UV Index drops to 0 by 18:00, signaling a safe end to sun exposure for the day. Such daily fluctuations highlight the importance of being mindful of UV levels, especially during midday hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits extreme levels from January through April, with values consistently around 16-17, and a critical burn time of just 10 minutes during this period. As the seasons transition into summer, May sees a slight decrease to 12, categorized as extreme, but remains a high-risk month for skin exposure. The very high UV Index of 10 in June marks the beginning of a brief respite in intensity, extending into July and August, which both experience extreme levels again at 11 and 13, respectively. September and October maintain a high UV Index of 13-14, continuing the pattern of extreme exposure until it tapers off in November and December, which also present high values of 14-15. Residents and visitors alike should exercise caution and sun safety measures throughout the year, particularly during high-risk months like January to April and again from July to October, ensuring adequate sunscreen application, protective clothing, and limited sun exposure to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Itumba | 16 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 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 |