Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Hlabisa, South Africa, staying aware of the UV Index is vital for protecting your skin from harmful effects of the sun. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for safeguarding long-term skin health. With a Cfa climate characterized by warm temperatures, residents face increased UV exposure, particularly during peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM when the index can rise to 5. Being informed about the UV Index can help ensure that you enjoy the beautiful South African sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, providing a safe environment for morning activities. The intensity gradually increases, reaching 2 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it climbs to 4, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The peak arrives at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where the index hits 5, signaling a need for sun protection. The afternoon sees a decline, with readings at 4 at 1:00 PM, tapering to 3 by 2:00 PM. As the day begins to wind down, the UV Index drops steadily back to 1 by 4:00 PM, and sinks to 0 after 6:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of safeguarding against UV exposure, especially during the midday 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | 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 |
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 |