Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Lady Grey, South Africa, is essential for everyone who enjoys the outdoors. With the potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage, being aware of UV levels can significantly impact your skin health. Lady Grey, nestled in a temperate climate with cool summers and moderate UV exposure, experiences varying sun intensity throughout the day. From a low of 1 in the early hours to a peak of 5 around midday, knowing these levels empowers residents and visitors alike to take precautions during peak exposure times, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable time under the South African sun.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a distinct pattern, with the intensity peaking at 12:00 PM when it reaches a noteworthy level of 5. Morning hours start off mild, with values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, gradually escalating to 2 by 09:00, then climbing to 4 at 11:00. Post-noon, the index slightly decreases, falling to 4 again at 13:00, before tapering off to 2 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the levels drop significantly, plunging to 0 by 19:00. This highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
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 | 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 exposure varies significantly, peaking in the winter and approaching moderate levels in the summer months. January through March, and again in September, October, November, and December, are characterized by extreme UV index values, with a burn time of merely 10 minutes. April marks a transition to a very high UV index of 10 and a burn time of 15 minutes, while May sees a slightly reduced index of 6, categorized as high with a burn time of 25 minutes. June and July maintain moderate levels at 5, allowing for 30 minutes of safer exposure. However, August escalates again to a very high index of 8. Given this information, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months from November to March and mid-September, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade 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 |
Durban UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
Lady Grey | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 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 |