Last updated: May 3, 2025
As residents of Boksburg, South Africa, it's crucial to stay informed about the UV Index, a valuable tool for understanding the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. Awareness of UV levels not only aids in preventing sunburn but also plays a significant role in safeguarding your long-term skin health. With Boksburg's climate classified as Cwb, the region experiences varied temperatures and UV exposure risks throughout the year. Particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the UV Index peaks at levels of 7, it’s essential to take protective measures to minimize harmful effects. Stay educated and protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful South African sun!
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low at 1 from 07:00 to 08:00, offering a gentle start to the day. However, as the hours progress, the intensity increases, reaching 3 by 09:00 and peaking at 7 between 11:00 and 13:00. This midday surge signifies the sun's powerful rays, urging everyone to take precautions for skin protection. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 5 at 14:00, and further decreasing to 3 by 15:00. The evening brings relief, with the index falling to 1 by 16:00 and 0 from 18:00 onward. Embrace the early hours for outdoor activities, but stay vigilant during lunchtime when the sun is at its strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 Index values fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk typically spanning December to March and again in September to November when the index reaches extreme levels. January and February show a consistent UV Index of 15, while March experiences a slight decline to 13. Residents and visitors should exercise extreme caution during these months, limiting sun exposure to no more than 10 minutes to prevent skin damage. As spring approaches, the UV Index decreases, with May and June showing values of 7 and 6, respectively, allowing for longer safe exposure of 25 minutes. However, as August arrives, the index spikes again to 9, necessitating caution with a burn time of 15 minutes. Overall, it is crucial to stay informed and protected against harmful UV rays, especially during the high-risk months, by wearing adequate sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses.
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 |
| Johannesburg UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| Boksburg | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 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 |