Last updated: July 2, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sikonge, Tanzania, where the sun shines brightly nearly year-round. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining overall skin health. In Sikonge's warm tropical climate, you'll find that UV exposure can reach dangerous levels, especially during midday when the index peaks at a striking 11. By staying aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while taking the necessary precautions to protect your skin and health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low at 1 at 7:00 AM, indicating only minimal risk from UV exposure. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 3, signaling a moderate level of intensity. The real surge begins around 10:00 AM, when the index reaches 5, suggesting it's time to apply sunscreen. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, with a maximum of 11, reflecting high risk and urging caution for outdoor activities. Gradually, as the afternoon wanes, the numbers decline; by 3:00 PM, it drops to 7, then quickly falls to 4 by 4:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the UV Index dips to 1 by 6:00 PM and finally plummets to 0 by 7:00 PM, providing a welcome relief from the day's intense sun. Overall, this day presents a classic pattern of rising and falling UV levels, highlighting the importance of sun safety during peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 in our region experiences notably extreme values, particularly from January to April, where it remains consistently at 15 or 16. As the months progress, the UV Index slightly decreases, hovering around 11 to 14 from May to December. Despite this reduction, the burn time remains critically short at just 10 minutes across all months, indicating a persistent risk of skin damage. Hence, we advise both visitors and residents to take necessary precautions during these high-risk months, especially from January to April. This includes seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen with a high SPF, particularly during peak sunlight hours to safeguard against harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Sikonge | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 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 |