Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Mount Frere, South Africa, being mindful of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against the sun's harmful rays. Understanding UV levels not only aids in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in promoting overall skin health. With a Cfb climate that brings varied weather patterns, residents and visitors alike face unique UV exposure risks throughout the day. Notably, the UV Index peaks at around noon, reaching a level of 5, which underscores the importance of protective measures during peak hours to enjoy the sun safely and healthily.
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, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with extreme exposure levels occurring during the winter and early spring months. January, February, and March each have a UV Index of 15, categorizing them as extreme, with a dangerously short burn time of just 10 minutes. The risk remains high in April with an index of 10, nonetheless, the burn time extends to 15 minutes. As the temperatures warm, May and August see a decrease to 6 and 7 respectively, indicating a high exposure risk with burn times of 25 minutes. During the summer, June and July present a more moderate risk at 5, allowing up to 30 minutes before burns occur. The trend reverses in the fall; September returns to very high at 10, and October jumps back to extreme levels at 12. Lastly, November and December replicate the extreme risk of early winter with a UV Index of 14 and 15, respectively. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take **precautionary measures, such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and minimizing sun exposure, especially during high-risk months from January to March and October to December.
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 |
| Mount Frere | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 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 |