Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Muldersdriseloop, South Africa, especially given the region's Cwb climate that brings a mix of mild winters and warm summers. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, making it essential to monitor daily exposure. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can reach a maximum of 6, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against harsh UV rays.
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!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with extreme levels dominating the first half of the year. Notably, January to April show consistent UV Index readings of 16 to 13, indicating high risk for sunburn and necessitating cautious exposure management, with a brief burn time of just 10 minutes. The summer months of May to July witness a slight decrease, with UV levels dropping to a high category, allowing for a safer burn time of 25 minutes. However, August spikes again to 9, categorizing it as very high with a burn time of only 15 minutes. As the year transitions into September to November, UV levels again surge into the extreme category, reinforcing the need for vigilance as burn times revert to 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take necessary precautions, especially during high-risk months (January to April and September to November) by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Soweto UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| Muldersdriseloop | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |