Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Mount Darwin, Zimbabwe, a region where the Cwa climate brings both warmth and increased sun exposure. Being aware of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protects your long-term skin health. With midday UV Index values peaking at 9, it's vital to take precautions to safeguard yourself from harmful rays, particularly during the hours of 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM when exposure risks are highest. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely in Mount Darwin!
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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring from January to April, where the index consistently remains at 17 to 15, categorizing this period as extreme with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As we progress into late spring and summer, the index drops slightly to a very high category of 10 to 9 in May through July with a burn time extending to 15 minutes. However, August sees a return to extreme levels at 11. The fall months of September through November once again experience elevated UV indices, ranging from 12 to 15, with associated burn times of 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months of January through April and August through November, including the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Mount Darwin | 17 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 |