Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Dundee, South Africa is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region’s Cwb climate, you may find daily UV levels fluctuating significantly throughout the day, peaking at midday when exposure risks are heightened. Familiarizing yourself with these UV levels not only helps you protect your skin but also enables you to enjoy the beautiful sunny days here while minimizing damage. For instance, the UV Index can reach 5 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and shield yourself for a safe outdoor experience!
Starting your day early has its perks, as the UV Index remains quite low—hovering between 1 and 2 from 07:00 to 09:00. However, as the sun rises higher, expect a noticeable increase in UV exposure. By 11:00, the index peaks at a robust 5, indicating a need for protection, especially around midday when it stays elevated at 5 until 13:00. Post-noon, the index begins to taper off, dropping back to 4 by 14:00 and down to 1 as evening approaches from 16:00 onward, where it finally settles at 0 by 18:00. To enjoy your day safely, consider applying sunscreen during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | 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 |
During the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with extreme levels present from January to March and at the beginning and end of the year, specifically in October, November, and December. These high-risk months underscore the importance of protective measures, as the burn time is only 10 minutes during this period. In contrast, April marks a transition to very high UV levels, with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes, while May to July presents moderate levels, allowing for a burn time of up to 30 minutes. However, August and September return to very high levels with shortened burn times of 15 minutes. To ensure safety, both residents and visitors should take precautions like wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and applying sunscreen, especially during these high-risk months to mitigate the dangers of prolonged sun exposure.
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 |
| Dundee | 15 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 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 |
| Soweto UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |