Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Queensdale, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents make informed decisions about sun exposure, especially during peak hours when the risk of harmful effects is significantly higher. With a temperate Cfb climate, Queensdale experiences a unique blend of weather, leading to variable UV risks throughout the day. From late morning to early afternoon, the UV Index can rise as high as 5, underscoring the importance of sun safety and protection measures. Stay informed and protect your skin from potential damage as you enjoy the outdoors!
The UV Index throughout the day shows a gradual rise and fall, peaking at 12:00 PM with a value of 5, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. Starting from a safe 0 at 07:00 AM, the index begins to increase, reaching 3 by 10:00 AM and climbing to 4 at 11:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, the UV Index hits its max at 12:00 PM, before gradually declining to 4 at 1:00 PM and then to 3 by 2:00 PM. After that, it gently descends to 1 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, before dropping back to 0 by 6:00 PM as the sun sets. Overall, the day presents varied UV levels, reminding us to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | 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 |
The UV Index reveals significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest risk occurring during the winter months. From January to March, an extreme classification is noted, maintaining a UV Index of 15 and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. This extreme exposure continues into October and November, where the UV levels are still perilously high at 14-16. As we transition into the spring and summer, UV levels moderate, peaking at 9 in April and dropping to 5-7 in the summer months of June to August. Given these variations, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during high-risk months (January, February, October, and November); applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible are essential to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Queensdale | 15 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 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 |