Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Chakari, Zimbabwe, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With frequent exposure to high UV levels, particularly during the midday hours, understanding these metrics can be a vital tool in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. Chakari’s Cwa climate—characterized by warm summers and mild winters—exposes residents and visitors alike to various UV intensity peaks throughout the day. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, especially when it climbs to levels 6 and above around 11 AM to 1 PM, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself from harmful rays and enjoy the outdoors safely.
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 |
The UV Index data indicates extreme exposure levels from January to April and again in September to November, with an exceptionally high risk of skin damage. Specifically, January to April consistently show an index ranging from 12 to 17, meaning a burn time of just 10 minutes. Months marked by very high risk, such as May to August, have a slightly lower index of 8 to 10, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during these high-risk months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats, and seeking shade when outdoors to reduce 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 |
Chakari | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 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 |