Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Mwanga, Tanzania, where the tropical climate can expose individuals to harmful ultraviolet radiation. The UV Index measures sun exposure levels throughout the day, helping to inform effective sunburn prevention strategies and promote long-term skin health. With typical midday values peaking at 11, the risk of skin damage is significant, especially from 10 AM to 2 PM, when the sun's intensity is at its highest. Staying informed about UV levels allows you to enjoy Mwanga's beautiful sunny days while protecting yourself from the potential risks associated with high UV exposure.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually rising as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 4, urging early risers to stay vigilant. The intensity peaks at noon, hitting a scorching 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. This peak continues until 1:00 PM, where it remains at 11 before beginning its descent. The afternoon sees a noticeable drop, with the index falling to 6 by 3:00 PM and further decreasing to 3 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index drops to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM and finally falls to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling the end of the sun's powerful rays. Stay informed and protect your skin during those peak hours!
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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits particularly high levels throughout the year, with extreme exposure categories dominating from January to April, where values range from 15 to 16. The high-risk months for UV exposure are notably from January to March. As the year progresses into the summer months of May through August, the UV Index gradually decreases but remains in the high range, hitting 11 to 13. Even during the fall and winter months, from September to December, the UV Index stays elevated, averaging between 13 to 14. Visitors and residents should take caution during these months, particularly from January to March, and apply protective measures such as sunscreen and protective clothing, as burn times can occur in just 10 minutes in extreme conditions.
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 |
Mwanga | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 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 |