UV Index in Estcourt, South Africa

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Estcourt, South Africa, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only aids in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a crucial role in long-term skin health and reducing the risk of skin-related issues. With Estcourt's Cwb climate, known for its sunny days and varied exposure, it's vital to pay attention to daily UV fluctuations, particularly when the index climbs to 5 around midday. Equip yourself with knowledge, and enjoy the outdoors while keeping your skin safe from harmful UV rays!

Hourly UV Index in Estcourt

The UV Index throughout the day follows a distinct pattern, with the intensity peaking at 12:00 PM when it reaches a noteworthy level of 5. Morning hours start off mild, with values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, gradually escalating to 2 by 09:00, then climbing to 4 at 11:00. Post-noon, the index slightly decreases, falling to 4 again at 13:00, before tapering off to 2 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the levels drop significantly, plunging to 0 by 19:00. This highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Estcourt

Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from January to March and November to December, where the UV Index often reaches extremes of 15 or 16 and can lead to skin burns in just 10 minutes. The spring and fall months also present notable risk; April and August have very high ratings of 10 and 8, respectively, with burn times of 15 minutes. In contrast, May to July offer lower UV levels, peaking at high in May (UV Index 7) but decreasing to moderate (UV Index 5) during the summer months of June and July, allowing for longer exposure times of 25-30 minutes without burning. Visitors and residents should take precautions during high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Estcourt, South Africa

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Estcourt. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Estcourt, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Estcourt UV Index with Other South Africa Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Estcourt compares to other major locations across South Africa. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Estcourt's solar exposure compared to other cities in South Africa. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Estcourt	15	15	13	10	7	5	5	8	10	12	13	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