Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Carletonville, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, especially during peak sun hours. With a climate characterized as Cwb, Carletonville experiences varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day, with the index reaching as high as 6 between 12 PM and 1 PM. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin's health.
The UV Index today showcased a notable increase from the early morning hours, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rose higher in the sky, the index climbed steadily, reaching a significant 6 by 12:00, indicating a peak in UV radiation and the need for sun protection. The afternoon saw a slight decline, with values dropping to 4 at 14:00 and falling further to 2 by 15:00. As the day wound down, the UV index returned to a safer range, ending the day at 0 by 19:00. It’s crucial to stay informed and safeguard your skin during those high UV hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV radiation exposure exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk months peaking in January, February, and March, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 16 to 13, allowing for a dangerously short burn time of just 10 minutes. The trend continues into April and September, which also maintain an extreme UV Index of 11. As summer approaches, a slight decrease in UV Index is observed in May to July, with values ranging from 6 to 7, indicating a high exposure risk but allowing for longer burn times of 25 minutes. However, high caution is advised during August when the UV Index spikes back to 8 (very high). As the year closes, November and December mirror the extreme levels seen at the start of the year, necessitating constant vigilance. Therefore, visitors and residents should adopt protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, especially during peak UV times, and seek shade whenever possible, particularly in the high-risk months of January through March and September through November.
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 |
| Pretoria UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Carletonville | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| Soweto UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |