Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Headlands, Zimbabwe is essential for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. With a climate characterized by a mild, humid subtropical environment (Cwb), residents and visitors often face varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day. Notably, the peak UV index can reach 8 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, highlighting the importance of awareness for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. By keeping track of these UV levels, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely and significantly reduce the risk of skin damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, signaling a mild increase in UV exposure. The intensity heats up quickly, reaching a moderate 4 by 9:00 AM, before hitting its peak of 8 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is the prime time for sun safety awareness! After noon, the UV Index gradually declines; by 3:00 PM, it recedes to 3, and as the day wanes, it drops significantly to 1 by 4:00 PM. By evening, UV levels have diminished, reaching 0 by 6:00 PM, offering a reprieve from the sun’s rays.
| 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 | 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 variations, with the highest risk occurring in the first four months and the last four months of the year. From January to April, the UV Index remains extremely high, peaking at 17 in January and gradually decreasing to 13 by April, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes. Similarly, the months of September to December also experience extreme conditions where the UV Index ranges from 13 to 15, again necessitating a quick burn time of 10 minutes. In contrast, the summer months of May through August see a slightly lower UV Index, categorized as very high, where burn times extend to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak UV hours, particularly from January to April and September to December, to mitigate the risks associated with extreme 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 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 |
| Headlands | 17 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 15 |