Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Chipinge, Zimbabwe, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Given the region's Cwa climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, residents face varying levels of UV exposure that can be harmful without proper precautions. With the UV Index peaking at 7 around midday, awareness of these levels can significantly help mitigate risks and promote a healthier outdoor lifestyle. Embracing this knowledge empowers you to enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from its potential dangers.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reaches its peak during the late morning and early afternoon hours. Starting at a mild 1 at 7 AM, the index gradually climbs to a more noticeable 7 by 11 AM, signaling a time when sun protection becomes essential. It holds steady at 7 until noon, then begins to decline, dipping to 4 by 2 PM, and further falling to 1 by 4 PM. By evening, the UV Index drops to 0, indicating a safe time to enjoy the outdoors without the worry of harmful UV exposure. Remember, during the peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, it's crucial 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
14:00 | 4 | 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 exposure in the region experiences significant fluctuations, with extreme levels persisting from January to April and again in September through November. The highest risk months, characterized by a UV Index of 16 (extreme exposure category), are January, February, and March, where the burn time is just 10 minutes. As the season transitions into late spring and summer, UV levels decrease slightly in June and July, categorizing them as high with a burn time of 25 minutes. However, August sees a resurgence of very high levels (UV Index 9), requiring caution. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to protect their skin during the high-risk months, particularly from January to April and September to November, using adequate sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure to reduce the risk of burns and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chipinge | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 |
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 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 |