Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Graaff-Reinet, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels is not just a seasonal concern; it plays a vital role in safeguarding your skin from harmful effects, especially during the peak hours of sunlight. The town's semi-arid climate (BSk) brings with it a unique set of UV exposure risks, where the index can reach up to 4 during midday hours. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the beauty of Graaff-Reinet while protecting their skin effectively.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a maximum of 0 at 07:00, indicating a low risk for sun exposure. By 08:00 and 09:00, it gradually climbs to 1, maintaining a safe level. The intensity peaks between 10:00 and 13:00, reaching 4—a reminder to protect your skin during these hours. By 14:00, the index dips slightly to 3, still suggesting caution, before it declines further in the late afternoon to 2 at 15:00 and remains at 1 through 16:00 and 17:00. The day winds down with the UV Index dropping back to 0 by 18:00, marking a safe end to sun exposure for the day. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to stay protected when the UV rays are strongest!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 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, the UV Index displays significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk occurring in the winter months of January, February, and December, where indices peak at 15 and indicate an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following closely, March also remains a high-risk month with a UV Index of 12. In the transition to spring, April and September present very high levels, with indices of 9 and 10, respectively, and burn times reducing to 15 minutes. As summer approaches, UV radiation decreases to a moderate level in June and July, dropping to 4 and allowing for longer exposure times. May and August are categorized as high risk months, with indices of 6, suggesting a burn time of 25 minutes. As the year wraps up, October and November revert to extreme levels (12 and 13) with burn times of 10 minutes once again. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures, especially during high-risk months, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and limiting outdoor exposure during peak UV 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 |
| Durban UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Graaff-Reinet | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 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 |