Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hlabisa, South Africa, as it plays a vital role in promoting skin health and preventing sunburn. With a Cfa climate characterized by warm summers, the UV levels in Hlabisa can climb as high as 5 between noon and 1 PM, presenting significant risks for sun exposure. By being aware of these levels, you can take necessary precautions to protect your skin and enjoy the sunny outdoors safely.
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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels display significant seasonal variations, with high-risk months primarily occurring during the winter and early spring. From January to March, the UV index peaks at 14—categorized as extreme—with a burn time of only 10 minutes, necessitating vigilant sun protection. In April, the index drops slightly to 9 (very high) but remains critical with a burn time of 15 minutes. The summer months (June and July) see a reduction to a moderate level of 5, allowing for longer exposure (30 minutes). However, elevated levels return in August and September, with indexes of 7 and 9, respectively. As autumn rolls in, October and November again experience extreme levels of UV at 11 and 13, with quick burn times of 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures—such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses—especially during the high-risk months to avoid harmful UV 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 |
Hlabisa | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
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 |