Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Randburg, South Africa, where sun exposure can significantly impact skin health and overall well-being. South Africa's sunny climate, especially in the Cwb climate zone, brings with it varying levels of UV radiation throughout the day. Specifically, during peak sunlight hours, the UV Index can reach levels as high as 7, indicating a heightened risk of sunburn and skin damage. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable outdoor experience all year round.
The UV Index for the day provides a clear picture of sun exposure. Starting off gently at 1 in the early hours, the intensity gradually builds, reaching a peak of 7 between 11:00 and 12:00. This is the ideal time for sun protection, as skin can burn quickly. As the afternoon progresses, the index declines, dropping to 3 by 15:00 and further down to 1 by late afternoon. After sunset, the UV Index falls to 0, indicating safe conditions. Stay sun smart, especially during the peak hours for maximum protection!
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 | 6 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring in the winter months. From January to March, the index remains extremely high, peaking at 16 in December and consistently staying around 15 to 14 until late November. During these months, burn times are critically short, averaging just 10 minutes. As spring approaches, a slight decrease occurs in April to a very high level of 10, followed by lower high levels of 7 to 6 from May through July, which afford burn times of about 25 minutes. August sees a rise back to 9 before the UV Index sharply increases again to 11 in September and peaks once more in October with 13. Visitors and residents should be especially cautious between January and March, as well as September through November, when exposure is categorized as extreme. It is advisable to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
Randburg | 15 | 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 |