Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Queenstown, South Africa, where the unique Cfb climate presents its own set of sun exposure challenges. With peak UV levels reaching a score of 6, awareness of these fluctuations is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. The sunny days in Queenstown may be inviting, but they also come with increased risks of UV exposure, particularly during late morning and early afternoon hours. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing potential skin damage—because your skin deserves the best protection!
The UV Index today showcased a notable increase from the early morning hours, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rose higher in the sky, the index climbed steadily, reaching a significant 6 by 12:00, indicating a peak in UV radiation and the need for sun protection. The afternoon saw a slight decline, with values dropping to 4 at 14:00 and falling further to 2 by 15:00. As the day wound down, the UV index returned to a safer range, ending the day at 0 by 19:00. It’s crucial to stay informed and safeguard your skin during those high UV hours!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 exhibits significant seasonal variation, with January, February, October, November, and December classified as high-risk months, each featuring an extreme UV Index of 15 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. March follows closely behind with a UV Index of 13, also categorizing it as extreme, while April sees a shift to a very high level with an index of 9 and a burn time extended to 15 minutes. The UV Index tapers off in the summer months, with May garnering a high rating of 6 and a burn time of 25 minutes, while June and July drop to moderate levels (4 and 5, respectively) allowing for a longer burn time of 30 minutes. As summer progresses into August, UV levels rise again to a high index of 7. Notably, September experiences a resurgence in UV exposure with a very high index of 10. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during extreme months, including wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize harmful effects from UV radiation.
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 |
| Queenstown | 15 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 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 |