Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Kariba, Zimbabwe, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's tropical climate. Understanding UV levels allows residents and visitors to take proper precautions against harmful sun exposure, which is particularly high during the midday hours when the index peaks at 8. With UV radiation stronger in these conditions, being informed can help reduce the risks of skin damage and long-term health issues. Stay informed and enjoy the beautiful sunshine of Kariba safely!
At dawn, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity increases, hitting 2 by 8:00 AM and reaching a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the UV Index surges to 6, marking the onset of peak exposure times. The day reaches its zenith around 11:00 AM, with a high of 8, maintaining that level through 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. As the afternoon rolls in, the intensity starts to wane, dropping to 6 by 2:00 PM and gradually decreasing to 4 by 3:00 PM. By 4:00 PM, it further dims to 2, and by the evening, the sun's rays have effectively mellowed, with 1 at 5:00 PM and finally fading to 0 after 6:00 PM. A perfect reminder that while the sun’s early rays beckon, the peak hours require cautious enjoyment!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | 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 | 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 experiences significant seasonal changes, with the highest values observed from January to March, where it reaches an extreme level, peaking at 17 in January. April begins a gradual decline, yet still maintains an extreme index of 12. As we transition into the summer months (May through August), the UV Index remains very high, with values around 8 to 10, and burn times increasing to 15 minutes. September marks a return to extreme levels, while October through December generally continue this high-risk trend, with exposures demanding vigilance. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the months of January through April and September through November, taking measures such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kariba | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| 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 |