Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Butterworth, South Africa, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's Cfb climate, residents experience varying sun exposure throughout the year, making awareness of UV levels essential for sunburn prevention. As midday approaches, the UV Index can reach a moderate level of 4—a reminder to take protective measures against harmful rays. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing the risks to your skin health. Whether you’re out for a stroll or engaging in outdoor activities, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in keeping your skin safe.
The UV Index today rises steadily, starting at a low 1 in the early hours at 07:00 and 08:00. As the day progresses, it reaches a moderate 2 by 09:00, before peaking at 4 from 11:00 to 13:00. This peak signifies a time when sun protection is essential, especially for outdoor activities. However, by the afternoon, the index begins to decline, dropping back to a 3 at 14:00, and further down to 2 by 15:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index calms down to 1 by 16:00, finally settling at 0 after 17:00. It's a reminder to enjoy the sun while being mindful of its intensity during peak hours!
| 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 | 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring from January to March and again in October to December, all classified as extreme exposure categories. High-risk months for UV exposure include January, February, March, October, November, and December, where the burn time is as low as 10 minutes. In contrast, May and June offer a reprieve with a moderate UV Index, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes. However, even in these months, it's essential for visitors and residents to remain vigilant, employing sun protection strategies like wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours. As UV levels rise again in the late summer and fall, prudent sun safety measures should be a priority to minimize the risk of 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 |
| Butterworth | 14 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 |
| 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 |