Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Adelaide, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and promoting skin health, especially during the peak sun hours when UV exposure is at its highest. With Adelaide's semi-arid climate (BSk), the risk of UV radiation can increase rapidly, particularly around midday when the index peaks at 4. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the sun safely while protecting their skin from damage.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a notable peak from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, where it reaches a maximum of 4, indicating a moderate level of UV radiation. Starting off the morning at 7:00 AM with a UV Index of 0, it gradually rises to 1 by 8:00 AM, and hits 2 by 9:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity increases, peaking at 4 by 12:00 PM and remaining steady until 1:00 PM. After this peak, the UV levels begin to decline, dropping back to 3 at 2:00 PM, then gradually tapering off to 1 by 4:00 PM and returning to 0 by 6:00 PM. It's a day that serves as a reminder to stay protected during midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 experiences significant variability throughout the year, peaking during the winter months of January and December at an extreme level of 15, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following closely, February (UV Index 14) and November (UV Index 13) also fall into the extreme exposure category. As we transition into spring, March maintains an extreme rating of 12, before gradually decreasing in April to 8 (very high) and 6 in May (high). The summer months of June and July see a moderate UV Index of 4, providing a temporary reprieve, but the risk increases again in August to a high category of 6. The fall months bring a return to very high levels with September (UV Index 9) and October (UV Index 11). Given this data, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during the high-risk months, particularly from January to March and October to December, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize sun exposure and prevent skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town UVI | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 |
| Adelaide | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Durban UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Johannesburg UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| Pretoria UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Soweto UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |