Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Nigel, South Africa, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. As a region with a Cwb climate, Nigel experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when UV levels peak at 6. Being aware of the UV risks associated with daily activities can help residents and visitors alike enjoy the sun safely while minimizing long-term skin damage. From planning outdoor activities to choosing the right sunscreen, keeping an eye on the UV Index is essential for both health and enjoyment in this sunny locale.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an interesting fluctuation, starting off quite low with a maximum of 1 at both 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises higher, the intensity increases sharply, peaking at 6 from 11:00 to 13:00. This is the critical time to protect your skin, as a UV Index of 6 indicates a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with numbers dropping back to 2 by 15:00 and returning to 1 by 16:00 and 17:00. Finally, as the day comes to a close, the UV Index falls to 0 by 18:00 and remains there through the evening, reminding us that while the sun's rays can be strong during the day, they also retreat as the sun sets.
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 | 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 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 |
Nigel | 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 |