Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Dordrecht, South Africa, as it plays a significant role in sunburn prevention and overall skin health. With its temperate Cfb climate, Dordrecht experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking at a moderate 5 between noon and early afternoon. Awareness of these levels helps you protect your skin during peak exposure times and minimize long-term health risks. Stay informed and enjoy the sunshine responsibly by keeping an eye on the UV Index!
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!
| 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking in the winter months of January and February with an extreme rating of 15, implying a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure and a burn time of just 10 minutes. This pattern continues through March (UV Index 13) and reaches a high of 16 in December. From April to September, the UV Index reveals a decrease, with April and September still classified as having a very high level, while May and August fall under the high category. The summer months of June and July show a moderate risk (UV Index 5), allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 30 minutes. As outdoor activities increase, it's crucial for both visitors and residents to exercise caution, particularly during January to March and November to December, the months with the highest UV ratings. Appropriate sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, are advised during these high-risk periods.
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 |
| Durban UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Dordrecht | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 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 |