Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Penhalonga, Zimbabwe is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With typical midday UV levels peaking at an 8, awareness of these fluctuations can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Given Penhalonga's Cwa climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant about UV exposure, particularly during the peak hours of 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoor activities that this vibrant region has to offer while keeping your skin health a priority.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it nudges up to 2, but the real surge begins as we approach midday. At 09:00, it reaches 4, and by 10:00, it hits 6—a clear sign to apply that sunscreen! The peak UV intensity occurs from 11:00 to 12:00, where it soars to an impressive 8, making it crucial to seek shade and wear protective clothing. As the afternoon rolls in, the index gradually decreases—7 at 13:00, 5 at 14:00, before plunging to 2 by 15:00. Finally, from 16:00 to 19:00, the UV Index dwindles down to 1 and finally 0, marking the end of a day where sun safety was paramount during those peak hours. Stay vigilant under the sun!
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the first few months of the year with extremely high levels, reaching a maximum of 17 in January. The months of January through April consistently present extreme exposure risks, necessitating vigilant sun protection as the burn time is only 10 minutes. As the year progresses, the UV Index remains notably high from May to August, with levels classified as very high, where the burn time extends to 15 minutes. In September through November, the index again shifts to extreme levels, emphasizing the need for caution with burn times reverting back to 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly encouraged to take preventive measures, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, particularly during the high-risk months of October, November, and the early months of the year, when UV exposure can lead to rapid sunburn.
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 |
| Penhalonga | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 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 |