Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Creighton, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is crucial not only for preventing sunburn but also for safeguarding against long-term skin damage and disorders. With a Cfb climate, Creighton experiences varying UV exposure that peaks during midday hours, where the index can reach levels 4 or 5, indicating a need for extra care. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing risks associated with UV radiation.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a steady rise in intensity, peaking at 12:00 PM with a value of 5—a clear indicator for sun protection. Mornings start off gentle with an index of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, climbing to 2 by 09:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index increases to 3 at 10:00 and escalates to 4 by 11:00. However, the intensity peaks at 12:00 PM before gradually declining in the afternoon; it slips back to 4 at 1:00 PM, then 3 at 2:00 PM, 2 at 3:00 PM, and finally returns to a safer 1 by 4:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, the UV exposure is negligible at 0, allowing for a safe evening outside. Keeping an eye on these UV levels can ensure you enjoy the sunshine while staying protected!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking in the winter months of January and February with an extreme rating of 15, implying a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure and a burn time of just 10 minutes. This pattern continues through March (UV Index 13) and reaches a high of 16 in December. From April to September, the UV Index reveals a decrease, with April and September still classified as having a very high level, while May and August fall under the high category. The summer months of June and July show a moderate risk (UV Index 5), allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 30 minutes. As outdoor activities increase, it's crucial for both visitors and residents to exercise caution, particularly during January to March and November to December, the months with the highest UV ratings. Appropriate sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, are advised during these high-risk periods.
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 |
| Creighton | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| 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 |