UV Index in Centurion, South Africa

Last updated: January 18, 2026

Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents of Centurion, South Africa, where the sun’s rays can be deceptively strong. With typical UV levels peaking between the late morning and early afternoon, awareness of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. Centurion's Cwa climate means residents experience warm summers and mild winters, leading to significant UV exposure risks. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can ensure you're taking the necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely.

Hourly UV Index in Centurion

As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins to rise, peaking sharply around midday. From a gentle 1 at 7 AM, it escalates to a moderate 6 between 11 AM and 1 PM, signaling peak sun exposure. During these crucial hours, it's essential to protect your skin with sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity wanes, dropping to 4 at 2 PM and further declining to 3 by 3 PM. By 4 PM, it returns to a safe 1, and finally settles to 0 after sunset, making late afternoon and evening hours ideal for outdoor activities without the risk of UV damage. Stay informed and enjoy the sun responsibly!

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	2	low	60+ minutes
08:00	4	moderate	30–60 min
09:00	8	very high	10–15 min
10:00	11	extreme	<10 minutes
11:00	14	extreme	<10 minutes
12:00	16	extreme	<10 minutes
13:00	15	extreme	<10 minutes
14:00	12	extreme	<10 minutes
15:00	9	very high	10–15 min
16:00	5	moderate	30–60 min
17:00	2	low	60+ minutes
18:00	1	low	60+ minutes
19:00	0	low	60+ minutes

Monthly UV Index Trends in Centurion

Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with extreme UV Index levels observed from January to March and again in September to November. Notably, January and December each reach a peak UV Index of 16, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The transition months of April and August present very high exposure conditions, while May to July see a shift to high categories, allowing slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes. As the sun’s intensity increases, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures, especially during the high-risk months of January, February, March, September, October, and November. Umbrellas, sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours are highly recommended to ensure safety against the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Centurion, South Africa

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Centurion. 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 Centurion, 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 Centurion UV Index with Other South Africa Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Centurion 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.

Centurion'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
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
Centurion	16	15	13	10	7	6	6	9	11	13	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