Last updated: July 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Westonaria, South Africa, where the combination of a Cwb climate and high-altitude exposure can elevate the risks associated with ultraviolet radiation. Understanding the levels of UV radiation is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health, especially given that the UV Index can peak at 6 during midday hours, indicating a moderate to high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With typical UV levels fluctuating throughout the day, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make a significant difference in protecting your skin from long-term damage. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low, peaking only at 1 until 9:00 AM. A gradual increase sees it reach 6 by noon, indicating peak sun intensity. The high point of 6 persists until 1:00 PM, making this the ideal time to take precautions if you're outdoors. After this, the index begins to decline, dropping to 4 by 2:00 PM and falling further to 1 by 4:00 PM. By the evening, the UV levels settle at 0, ensuring a safe outdoor experience. Remember, during the midday hours, it’s crucial to stay protected under the sun!
| 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 | 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 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 |
| Westonaria | 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 |