Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Fort Beaufort, South Africa, where the Cfb climate can lead to varying levels of ultraviolet exposure throughout the day. Being aware of UV levels is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health, especially during peak hours when the index reaches up to 4. With morning values starting low and climbing to moderate levels by midday, it’s important for locals to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves. As the sun rises high, knowledge of these fluctuations can help ensure you enjoy the sunny days safely!
The UV Index throughout the day experiences a notable progression, starting from a maximum of 0 at 07:00, indicating minimal UV exposure. As the morning unfolds, it gradually rises, reaching 1 by 08:00 and staying steady at this level until 09:00. The sun’s intensity escalates sharply, peaking at 4 between 11:00 and 13:00, highlighting the importance of sun protection during these hours. Just after peak exposure, the index dips slightly to 3 at 14:00 before decreasing further to 2 by 15:00. The final hours see a steady decline, falling back to 1 at 16:00 and 17:00, before returning to 0 by 18:00, signaling the end of the day. This data emphasizes the need for awareness and protection during midday hours when UV radiation is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels vary significantly, presenting varying levels of risk to residents and visitors. The months of January, February, March, October, November, and December consistently show an extreme UV Index, with values ranging from 14 to 15 and a burn time of just 10 minutes, making them the highest-risk months for sun exposure. As the year progresses, April sees a drop to a very high category with a UV Index of 8 and a burn time of 15 minutes. The summer months of May, June, and July experience moderate levels of UV radiation, though caution is still advised with burn times of 30 minutes for May and 30 minutes for June and July. Moving into late summer and early fall, August and September see increased UV levels again, with an index of 6 and 9, respectively. To ensure safety, visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, particularly during the high-risk months and during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Fort Beaufort | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 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 |