Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Somerset East, South Africa, where the climate can lead to significant sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at 4 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations can help prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. Knowing when to seek shade and applying sunscreen diligently can make a big difference, especially as Somerset East experiences a semi-arid climate that can intensify UV risks. Stay informed to enjoy the beautiful sunny days while safeguarding your skin!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a maximum of 0 at 07:00, indicating a low risk for sun exposure. By 08:00 and 09:00, it gradually climbs to 1, maintaining a safe level. The intensity peaks between 10:00 and 13:00, reaching 4—a reminder to protect your skin during these hours. By 14:00, the index dips slightly to 3, still suggesting caution, before it declines further in the late afternoon to 2 at 15:00 and remains at 1 through 16:00 and 17:00. The day winds down with the UV Index dropping back to 0 by 18:00, marking a safe end to sun exposure for the day. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to stay protected when the UV rays are strongest!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant variability throughout the year, peaking during the winter months of January and December at an extreme level of 15, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following closely, February (UV Index 14) and November (UV Index 13) also fall into the extreme exposure category. As we transition into spring, March maintains an extreme rating of 12, before gradually decreasing in April to 8 (very high) and 6 in May (high). The summer months of June and July see a moderate UV Index of 4, providing a temporary reprieve, but the risk increases again in August to a high category of 6. The fall months bring a return to very high levels with September (UV Index 9) and October (UV Index 11). Given this data, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during the high-risk months, particularly from January to March and October to December, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize sun exposure and prevent 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 |
| Somerset East | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Durban UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 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 |