Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kiwengwa, Tanzania, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. With a tropical climate, Kiwengwa experiences high UV levels, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, making awareness of these levels essential for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. The daily UV Index can reach a maximum of 11, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these UV levels, you can enjoy the stunning beaches of Kiwengwa while protecting yourself from potential damage and maintaining your skin's well-being.
As the day begins, UV Index levels gradually rise, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, they reach 2, signaling the first hints of sun exposure. The intensity picks up significantly, peaking at 11 around 12:00 PM, when protection from UV rays is crucial. A slight drop occurs by 2:00 PM, decreasing to 8, and continuing to fade to 5 by 3:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index falls rapidly, hitting 1 at 5:00 PM and finally dropping to 0 by 7:00 PM, marking a safe end to the day's sun. Remember, during the peak hours (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM), it's essential to wear sunscreen and protective clothing to safeguard your skin!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV index displays significant seasonal changes, maintaining a high to extreme category from January through April, with values consistently around 14-15. Notably, March experiences the highest index at 15, maintaining a burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, the index decreases slightly, with June (10) seeing a very high category and extending burn time to 15 minutes. However, high-risk months primarily include January to April and July to August, where the index ranges from 12 to 15 and a burn time of 10 to 15 minutes is recommended. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to safeguard against harmful UV exposure. Maintaining vigilance is essential to enjoying the outdoors safely.
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 |
| Kiwengwa | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 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 |
| Mbeya UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 |