Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding the varying UV levels throughout the day helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the sun while protecting your well-being. With a Cwb climate, Chitungwiza experiences significant UV exposure, especially during midday when the index peaks at 9—indicating a high risk of harm. By staying informed about UV levels, residents can take proactive measures, such as seeking shade and applying sunscreen, ensuring a healthier relationship with sun exposure.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic shift throughout the day, beginning with a mild level of 1 at 07:00. As the sun rises higher, it peaks dramatically at 12:00 with a robust 9, indicating high exposure risk for unprotected skin. This intensity continues until 13:00, where it dips to 7, before gradually declining throughout the afternoon. By 15:00, the index lowers to 3, providing a more moderate environment for outdoor activities. As the evening sets in, the UV Index drops quickly, finishing the day at 0 by 19:00. It’s a clear reminder of the sun’s powerful influence—stay protected during the 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest values recorded from January to April, where an extreme exposure category prevails (UV Index 17 to 13) and a burn time of just 10 minutes is sufficient to sustain skin damage. February holds the peak UV index at 16, making it a critical month for sun safety. As the year progresses into May to August, UV levels drop slightly to very high (UV Index 10 to 8) with a burn time of 15 minutes. This trend continues into September and October, where UV levels rise back to an extreme category (UV Index 12 and 13). Notably, November sees a high UV Index of 15, before settling back to 15 in December. Visitors and residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially during the high-risk months of January to April, where protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses should be prioritized to minimize skin damage from high UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulawayo UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Mutare UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Gweru UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Chitungwiza | 17 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Harare UVI | 18 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 |