Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding the varying UV levels throughout the day can help residents and visitors alike take preventive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Chimanimani's Cwb climate, characterized by its distinct seasons and occasional intense sunlight, can pose heightened UV exposure risks, especially around midday when the index peaks at 8. By keeping informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the stunning beauty of Chimanimani while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it nudges up to 2, but the real surge begins as we approach midday. At 09:00, it reaches 4, and by 10:00, it hits 6—a clear sign to apply that sunscreen! The peak UV intensity occurs from 11:00 to 12:00, where it soars to an impressive 8, making it crucial to seek shade and wear protective clothing. As the afternoon rolls in, the index gradually decreases—7 at 13:00, 5 at 14:00, before plunging to 2 by 15:00. Finally, from 16:00 to 19:00, the UV Index dwindles down to 1 and finally 0, marking the end of a day where sun safety was paramount during those peak hours. Stay vigilant under the sun!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 risk months typically being January to March, where the UV index peaks at 17 in January and maintains extreme levels until April. During these months, burn time is critically short at just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, from May to August, the UV index remains in the very high range, dropping slightly to 9 in May and rising to 10 in August, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. The fall months see another rise in UV levels from September to November, categorized as extreme in September and November with burn times of 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures against sun exposure during these high-risk months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours.
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 |
| Chimanimani | 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 UVI | 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 |