UV Index in Aliwal North, South Africa

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Aliwal North is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a climate categorized as BSk, this region experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, peaking around midday when levels reach 5. Awareness of these UV levels helps residents and visitors take necessary precautions against harmful effects. From applying sunscreen to seeking shade, knowing the UV Index empowers you to enjoy the sunny days of Aliwal North while keeping your skin protected.

Hourly UV Index in Aliwal North

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 7:00 AM, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 2, suggesting it's time to start thinking about sun protection. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, reaching a high of 5, at which point it's crucial to apply sunscreen and seek shade. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently declines to 4 by 2:00 PM and further down to 2 by 3:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, the risk decreases significantly to 1, before tapering off to 0 after 6:00 PM, signaling a safe window for evening activities. Be mindful of the sun’s strength during the midday hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	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	5	moderate	30 min
13:00	5	moderate	30 min
14:00	4	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Aliwal North

The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring from January to March, where it reaches an extreme 15 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. April sees a decrease to an index of 10 (very high), allowing a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. As the year progresses, the index drops to 6 and 5 from May to July, indicating a moderate risk, but it jumps back up to 11 in September and 14 in November, both falling into the extreme category again. December concludes the year with an index of 16. Therefore, it is crucial for visitors and residents alike to remain vigilant during the high-risk months of January, February, March, September, October, November, and December, when protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing are highly advised to prevent skin damage from intense UV exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Aliwal North, South Africa

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Aliwal North. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Aliwal North, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Aliwal North UV Index with Other South Africa Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Aliwal North compares to other major locations across South Africa. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Aliwal North's solar exposure compared to other cities in South Africa. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Durban UVI	14	13	12	9	6	4	5	7	9	11	13	15
Aliwal North	15	15	13	10	6	5	5	7	11	12	14	16
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