Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Elliot, South Africa, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. This small town experiences a Cfb climate, characterized by mild temperatures and varying UV exposure throughout the day. Understanding the daily UV levels—peaking at a moderate 5 around noon—can empower residents and visitors alike to take protective measures, effectively minimizing the risk of long-term skin damage and ensuring safe outdoor enjoyment. With sun safety knowledge, you can savor the beauty of Elliot while protecting your skin from the sun's rays.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an intriguing pattern of intensity and fluctuation. Starting early, at 07:00 and 08:00, the levels remain low at 1, providing a gentle reminder to ease into the day. As the sun climbs higher, the index steadily increases, peaking at 12:00 and 13:00 with a notable 5, urging sun-seekers to take precautions. The afternoon sees a slight dip, with values dropping to 3 by 14:00 and 2 by 15:00. As the sun begins to set, the UV Index declines significantly, returning to 1 by 16:00 and ultimately reaching 0 after 18:00. This data underscores the importance of timing for outdoor activities, with the midday hours proving to be the most intense. ☀️
| 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 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels recorded during the winter months. From January to March, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 16 to 13, necessitating a rapid burn time of only 10 minutes. Following this, there is a slight decrease in April to a very high index of 10, which allows for a burn time of 15 minutes; however, the risk remains substantial. The following months, May through July, show a tapering off with indices dropping to 6 and 5 in May and June/July respectively, providing more time for safe sun exposure. As summer transitions to fall, the UV Index surges again in September with an extreme level of 11, and this pattern continues through to November, where it reaches 14. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during the high-risk months of January, February, March, September, October, and November, ensuring to apply sunscreen and limit direct sun exposure to prevent skin damage. Always remain vigilant about UV levels, especially during midday hours when the sun's rays are strongest.
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 |
| Elliot | 16 | 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 |