Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Bergville, South Africa, where the combination of a temperate climate and varying sunlight exposure makes UV awareness essential for maintaining healthy skin. Being informed about the daily UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting against long-term damage, particularly as midday readings can reach a moderate 5. With typical UV exposure risks peaking around 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, it's vital to take precautions during these hours. Embrace a sun-smart lifestyle in Bergville, ensuring your skin health remains a top priority as you enjoy the beautiful outdoors!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a notable oscillation in sun exposure. Early morning hours from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM see a mild UV Index of 1, indicating minimal risk. As the sun ascends, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 5 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, marking the day’s highest risk for skin damage. Following this peak, the index tapers off in the afternoon, returning to a manageable 2 by 3:00 PM, before descending to a safe 0 by 6:00 PM. It’s clear that the primary concern for sun safety lies during mid-day; ensure to protect your skin when the UV Index hits its zenith!
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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
14:00 | 3 | 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 |
The UV Index data reveals significant seasonal fluctuations in UV exposure, with January to April and September to November classified as high-risk months, exhibiting an extreme exposure category and a notably brief burn time of only 10 minutes. In particular, December shows a peak UV Index of 17, indicating critical caution is necessary. Conversely, the summer months, May through August, generally present a lower UV Index, with burn times increasing to 25 or 30 minutes, although August has a very high UV Index of 8, urging careful sun protection. Residents and visitors are advised to remain vigilant, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during high-risk periods when skin damage can occur rapidly.
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 |
Bergville | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 17 |
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 |