Mafia Island, Tanzania: vitamin D, best months and travel guide
Quiet island with whale sharks and untouched reefs. Best for: divers, nature lovers.
The best months for vitamin D in Mafia Island are February, May to November, when a full dose takes about 6 minutes at midday. Rainy or stormy from March to April and from December to January.
Mafia Island month by month
| Month | Rating | Sun window | Peak UV | Full dose, age 30 | Afternoon high | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Bad weather | 6.3 h | 7.2 | 7 min | 30°C | 22/30 |
| February | Excellent | 8.2 h | 8.7 | 6 min | 31°C | 17/30 |
| March | Bad weather | 7.5 h | 8.3 | 6 min | 30°C | 25/30 |
| April | Bad weather | 5.6 h | 6.4 | 8 min | 28°C | 27/30 |
| May | Excellent | 7.2 h | 7.2 | 7 min | 28°C | 13/30 |
| June | Excellent | 7.4 h | 7.0 | 8 min | 28°C | 12/30 |
| July | Excellent | 7.6 h | 7.3 | 7 min | 28°C | 6/30 |
| August | Excellent | 8.0 h | 8.1 | 7 min | 28°C | 13/30 |
| September | Excellent | 8.3 h | 8.5 | 6 min | 28°C | 16/30 |
| October | Excellent | 8.6 h | 8.8 | 6 min | 29°C | 17/30 |
| November | Excellent | 8.7 h | 8.9 | 6 min | 30°C | 13/30 |
| December | Bad weather | 8.8 h | 8.9 | 6 min | 30°C | 20/30 |
Sun window is the number of hours a day with UV Index 2.5 or higher. Full dose is the minutes at midday for about 1,000 IU of vitamin D with a quarter of the body bare, for skin type III. Rainy days are days with at least 1 mm out of 30.
What to expect in Mafia Island
Quiet island with whale sharks and untouched reefs. Hot and humid coast, two rainy seasons (long rains April to May, short rains November). Beaches have strong tides at some sites. Dress modestly in Stone Town.
In Mafia Island afternoon highs average from 28°C in July to 31°C in February. The wettest month is April (about 27 rainy days out of 30) and the driest is July (6). Midday UV peaks at 8.9 in November, which is very strong, so protect your skin.
More about Tanzania · Tanzania in November · Best places in November
Questions about Mafia Island
When is the best time to visit Mafia Island for vitamin D?
The best months for vitamin D in Mafia Island are February, May to November, when a full dose takes about 6 minutes at midday.
What is the weather like in Mafia Island?
Afternoon highs average from 28°C in July to 31°C in February. The wettest month is April, with about 27 rainy days out of 30.
Which months should I avoid in Mafia Island?
For a beach stay, avoid the months when it is rainy or stormy from March to April and from December to January.