Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Middelburg, South Africa, where the dry climate can lead to significant sun exposure. With the UV levels peaking around midday at 5, it's essential to be aware of these fluctuations to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. By monitoring UV Index trends, you can take proactive steps to safeguard against harmful rays, especially during the hottest hours. Given Middelburg’s BSk climate, characterized by hot summers and cool winters, the risks of skin damage increase, making it all the more important to stay informed and enjoy the outdoors safely.
The UV Index data reveals a dynamic daily cycle of sun exposure. Starting low at 07:00, with a reading of 0, the intensity gradually increases as the day progresses. By 10:00, it reaches a moderate level of 3, peaking at 12:00 and 13:00 with a high of 5. This is the perfect time for sunbathing or outdoor activities, but remember to apply sunscreen! The UV Index then begins to taper off, dropping to 4 by 14:00, and descending further to 1 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the levels fall back to 0 by 18:00 and remain there until 19:00. Stay informed and enjoy the sunshine safely!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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, with the highest risk months occurring from January to March, where the UV Index consistently reaches 15 (extreme) and has a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following this, April presents a slight decrease to a UV Index of 9 (very high), with a burn time of 15 minutes, while May sees it drop to 6 (high) with a longer burn time of 25 minutes. As summer arrives, June and July maintain a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for safer outdoor activity with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, August brings a return to high risk at 7, followed by a significant rise again in September (very high at 10) and a jump to extreme levels in October and November (14-16), where burn times shorten back to 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during high risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and minimizing direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours, to safeguard their skin health.
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 |
| Middelburg | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 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 |