Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Maclear, South Africa, where the climate can expose you to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With typical midday UV indices reaching as high as 5, it's essential for locals to recognize when the sun's rays are strongest, particularly in the sunny climate of Maclear. Regularly checking the UV Index empowers you to make informed choices about sun protection, ensuring safe outdoor enjoyment without compromising your skin integrity.
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 variation, with the highest levels occurring from January to March, where it reaches an extreme 15 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. April sees a decrease to an index of 10 (very high), allowing a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. As the year progresses, the index drops to 6 and 5 from May to July, indicating a moderate risk, but it jumps back up to 11 in September and 14 in November, both falling into the extreme category again. December concludes the year with an index of 16. Therefore, it is crucial for visitors and residents alike to remain vigilant during the high-risk months of January, February, March, September, October, November, and December, when protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing are highly advised to prevent skin damage from intense UV exposure.
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 |
Maclear | 15 | 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 |