Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Binga, Zimbabwe, where the sun's intensity can pose significant risks to skin health. With UV levels peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, awareness of the UV Index is vital for preventing sunburn and other skin-related issues. Binga's semi-arid climate often brings long, sunny days, meaning that even a brief exposure can lead to harmful effects if precautions aren't taken. Stay informed and protect your skin by monitoring the UV Index daily!
At sunrise, the UV Index starts gently at 1, peaking at 8 during the midday hours of 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, indicating the sun's intensity is at its highest. As the day progresses, the index climbs steadily from 3 at 9:00 AM to its maximum of 7 at 11:00 AM, encouraging everyone to seek shade and wear sunscreen. By 2:00 PM, it begins to decline to 6, and continues to decrease, settling back to 1 by 5:00 PM and fading to 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling that the day is winding down. This fluctuation highlights the importance of being sun-smart during the peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels recorded from January to March, where it reaches extreme values (17-14), indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. This pattern continues into April with an index of 12. The months of May through August see a slight decrease but remain in the very high category (10-8), allowing up to 15 minutes before risking sunburn. As September approaches, the index increases again to 11, and the extreme values return in October (12), November (14), and December (15), maintaining a 10-minute burn time. Visitors and residents should take precautions during the high-risk periods, particularly from January through April and again in November and December, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade to mitigate the risks associated with high UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Binga | 17 | 15 | 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 |