Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Nyanga, Zimbabwe is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's unique climate, characterized by a temperate highland atmosphere, UV levels can soar, especially around midday hours when readings peak at 10. Being informed about UV exposure not only helps prevent painful sunburn but also plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. As you navigate the beautiful landscapes of Nyanga, knowledge of the daily UV Index will empower you to take appropriate precautions and enjoy the great outdoors safely. Keep an eye on those UV levels—your skin will thank you!
As the day begins, the UV Index starts to rise gradually, peaking at 10 around noon, indicating a high level of solar radiation. From 07:00 to 09:00, it remains low, hovering between 1 and 5. The intensity surges dramatically at 10:00, reaching 8, and continues to climb until it hits its maximum at 12:00. After this peak, there's a steady decline in UV levels, dropping to 6 by 14:00, and further down to 3 by 15:00. By evening, the index falls to 1 and eventually dips to 0 after 18:00, signaling the end of intense sun exposure. Be sure to take precautions during 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with January through April showing extreme levels, peaking at 17 in January. These months pose the highest risk for skin damage, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. In April, the index slightly decreases to 13, but levels remain dangerous. As summer approaches, May to August see a reduction to very high levels, with indices ranging from 8 to 10, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. In September, the risk escalates again with an UV Index of 12, and it continues to remain extreme into the cooler months of October through December. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution during these high-risk months, particularly from January to April and September to November, and to employ protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, as well as seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| Nyanga | 17 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 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 |