Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of eSikhaleni, South Africa, where sunny skies and a temperate Cfa climate offer both enjoyment and risk. As UV levels can rise significantly, peaking at a moderate 4 during midday hours, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. With outdoor activities being a popular pastime, being informed about daily UV exposure helps minimize the long-term effects of sun damage. Stay vigilant and ensure your skin stays healthy—safeguarding yourself from harmful UV rays can make all the difference in your sunny adventures!
The UV Index today rises steadily, starting at a low 1 in the early hours at 07:00 and 08:00. As the day progresses, it reaches a moderate 2 by 09:00, before peaking at 4 from 11:00 to 13:00. This peak signifies a time when sun protection is essential, especially for outdoor activities. However, by the afternoon, the index begins to decline, dropping back to a 3 at 14:00, and further down to 2 by 15:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index calms down to 1 by 16:00, finally settling at 0 after 17:00. It's a reminder to enjoy the sun while being mindful of its intensity during peak hours!
| 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 | 4 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with January, February, March, October, November, and December marking the high-risk months for UV exposure, all registering an extreme level with a UV Index of 14 or 13 and a burn time of only 10 minutes. The spring sees a gradual decrease in UV levels, with April and May showing very high (8) and high (6) risk, respectively, while the summer months of June and July experience a moderate UV Index of 4 and 5, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. As fall approaches, UV levels rise again, peaking at 9 in September, then dropping back to extreme levels in October and November. Visitors and residents are advised to remain vigilant in protecting themselves from UV radiation, especially during the high-risk months, by seeking shade, wearing appropriate clothing, and using sunscreen to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| eSikhaleni | 14 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 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 |
| Soweto UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |