Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Stutterheim, South Africa, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you take the necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in a region characterized by a Cfb climate, where moderate temperatures can still lead to significant UV exposure. Typically, UV levels peak during midday hours, reaching a maximum of 4 around noon, reminding residents and visitors alike to remain vigilant and embrace sun safety practices throughout the day.
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 |
During the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with extreme values primarily occurring from January to March and again in October and November, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. April marks a transition to very high UV levels with a burn time of 15 minutes, and May until July sees a drop to high and moderate levels, allowing for slightly longer safe exposure times. As summer ends, August and September return to high and very high UV exposures, respectively. Residents and visitors should be especially cautious during the high-risk months of January to March and October to November, ensuring proper sun protection measures such as using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of UV 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 |
Stutterheim | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 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 |