Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, a scenic locale that experiences varying sun exposure throughout the day. With UV levels peaking at 9 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, awareness of these levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health against harmful UV radiation. Chimanimani’s Cwb climate, characterized by its moderate temperatures and seasonal rainfall, can still present significant UV exposure risks, making it essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to enjoy the stunning landscapes safely.
The UV Index for today showcases a striking peak between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it reaches a high of 9, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index begins to taper off, transitioning to a 5 at 2:00 PM and then dropping further to 3 by 3:00 PM. The late afternoon brings a noticeable decline, finishing off with 1 at 4:00 PM and fading to 0 after 6:00 PM. If you're planning outdoor activities, the optimal time to soak up the sun safely is definitely before noon! Don’t forget your sunscreen during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 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 |