Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Headlands, Zimbabwe, where the sun can pose significant risks throughout the year. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With a climate characterized by a Cwb (temperate with dry winters) classification, Headlands experiences diverse weather patterns that can influence UV exposure. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, UV levels can reach a high of 9, emphasizing the need for protective measures to safeguard against harmful UV radiation. Stay informed to enjoy the sun safely!
The UV Index data for today reveals a steady climb in ultraviolet exposure as the sun rises. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, the index escalates to 2 by 08:00, before witnessing a significant jump to 4 at 09:00. The peak occurs around 12:00, where it reaches 9—a strong signal to take protective measures against sun damage. After this midday high, the UV Index begins to drop, descending to 6 at 14:00, before dwindling further to 3 by 15:00. The evening hours bring a dramatic decline, with 1 at 16:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 13:00.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |