Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Queenstown, South Africa, where sunny days often invite outdoor activities. The UV Index provides valuable insights into the sun's intensity, helping to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. In this Cfb climate, characterized by mild temperatures and moderate rainfall, it's essential to be mindful of UV levels, especially during peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM when the index can reach up to 4. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Queenstown while safeguarding your skin against harmful radiation.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a notable peak from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, where it reaches a maximum of 4, indicating a moderate level of UV radiation. Starting off the morning at 7:00 AM with a UV Index of 0, it gradually rises to 1 by 8:00 AM, and hits 2 by 9:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity increases, peaking at 4 by 12:00 PM and remaining steady until 1:00 PM. After this peak, the UV levels begin to decline, dropping back to 3 at 2:00 PM, then gradually tapering off to 1 by 4:00 PM and returning to 0 by 6:00 PM. It's a day that serves as a reminder to stay protected during midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 4 | 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, 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 |