UV Index in Thornhill, South Africa

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Thornhill, South Africa, awareness of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels is crucial for planning outdoor activities, as even moderate exposure can lead to skin damage over time. With its Cfb climate, Thornhill experiences varying UV risks throughout the day, peaking at a level of 4 around noon, when the sun’s rays are the strongest. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while ensuring your skin remains protected from harmful UV radiation.

Hourly UV Index in Thornhill

The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun intensity. In the morning, it starts off low, peaking at 1 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, we see a steady increase with the index reaching 3 by 11:00. The highest point occurs from 12:00 to 13:00, where the UV Index hits a robust 4, indicating a need for sun protection during those hours. Following this peak, the index gradually declines, returning to 2 at 15:00, and then dropping back down to 0 by 18:00, marking the end of significant UV exposure for the day. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly to stay safe under the sun!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	3	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Thornhill

Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, with extreme UV exposure occurring from January to March, where the index peaks at 14 in January and December. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months, as the burn time is as little as 10 minutes. The UV Index remains high in April, with a value of 8, before dropping to a moderate level of 5 in May and 4 from June to July. As summer wanes into August, the UV Index rises again to 6, prompting a high risk label, before returning to very high levels of 8 in September. The year closes with another spike in UV exposure, notably in October and November, where the index reaches 12, emphasizing the need for protective measures during these extreme periods. To safeguard against UV exposure, it's advisable for everyone to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing, especially during the high-risk months.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Thornhill, South Africa

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Thornhill. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Thornhill, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Thornhill UV Index with Other South Africa Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Thornhill compares to other major locations across South Africa. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Thornhill's solar exposure compared to other cities in South Africa. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Thornhill	14	13	11	8	5	4	4	6	8	11	12	14
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