Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Willowmore, South Africa, where the climate can lead to variable sun exposure risks throughout the day. As the UV Index often peaks at levels 4 during midday, being aware of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. With Willowmore's semi-arid climate classified as BSk, sunny days can quickly increase the potential for harmful UV radiation. Stay informed, protect your skin, and enjoy the bright South African sun safely!
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 seasonal changes in UV exposure highlight significant variations, particularly with high-risk months occurring from January through March and again in October through December, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 15 and 14, necessitating minimal exposure times of only 10 minutes. As spring approaches in April, the UV Index decreases to an extreme category of 8, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes, before dropping to a high risk of 6 in May and August with burn times of 25 minutes. In contrast, June and July offer moderate UV conditions with an Index of 4, permitting safe exposure for up to 30 minutes. As September arrives, UV levels rise again to a very high category of 10, reminding residents and visitors to be vigilant once more. It is crucial for everyone to take proper precautions year-round, especially during the high-risk periods, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to avoid harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Willowmore | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 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 |