UV Index in Grahamstown, South Africa

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Grahamstown, South Africa, understanding the UV Index is essential for both residents and visitors alike. With a Cfa climate that brings warm summer days, it’s crucial to be aware of the daily UV levels to prevent sunburn and protect skin health effectively. The UV Index in Grahamstown can peak at 4 around midday, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful weather while taking the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin and overall well-being.

Hourly UV Index in Grahamstown

The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun intensity. In the morning, it starts off low, peaking at 1 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, we see a steady increase with the index reaching 3 by 11:00. The highest point occurs from 12:00 to 13:00, where the UV Index hits a robust 4, indicating a need for sun protection during those hours. Following this peak, the index gradually declines, returning to 2 at 15:00, and then dropping back down to 0 by 18:00, marking the end of significant UV exposure for the day. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly to stay safe under the sun!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	3	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Grahamstown

Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with extreme levels in the winter months and a gradual decrease during the summer. The high-risk months are predominantly from January to April and then again in October and November, where the UV Index often exceeds 12, indicating extreme exposure risks with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions, especially during these months, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours. As we move into the summer, the risk lowers, with moderate levels in May to July, but caution remains advisable, particularly in August when the Index rises to 6. Always check the daily UV Index and adjust your outdoor activities accordingly for optimal sun safety.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Grahamstown, South Africa

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Grahamstown. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Grahamstown, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Grahamstown UV Index with Other South Africa Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Grahamstown compares to other major locations across South Africa. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Grahamstown's solar exposure compared to other cities in South Africa. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Grahamstown	15	14	12	8	5	4	4	6	9	11	13	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