Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Chegutu, Zimbabwe, is essential for protecting your skin and overall health from the sun's harmful effects. With UV levels that can peak at 8 during midday, awareness is crucial for sunburn prevention, especially in this Cwa climate, where long, sunny days are common. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors can better manage their sun exposure, ensuring they enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding their skin's health against potential damage. Stay informed, stay protected!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, hitting a maximum of 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, and continues to rise, reaching 4 at 09:00. The peak intensity occurs between 11:00 and 13:00, where the UV Index remains high at 8—a critical time to protect your skin. As the afternoon progresses, it starts to decline, dropping to 6 at 14:00, and tapering off to 3 at 15:00. By 17:00, it falls to 1, and as dusk approaches, the index drops to 0 by 18:00, signaling the end of the day’s UV exposure. It's a clear reminder to stay vigilant during those peak hours!
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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
15:00 | 3 | 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 exhibits notable seasonal variations, peaking during the early months of the year. From January to April, the index remains between 13 and 17, classifying these months as extreme and resulting in a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into May and June, the index drops slightly to 10 and 8, aligning with a very high exposure category and a burn time of 15 minutes. Notably, September returns to extreme levels at 12, while October and November maintain an extreme status with numbers around 13 to 15. Throughout this period, residents and visitors should take extra precautions, especially between January and April and again in September to November, by using adequate sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing, to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues.
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 |
Chegutu | 17 | 16 | 14 | 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 |