Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Hluhluwe, South Africa, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful solar radiation. Understanding UV levels is not just about avoiding sunburn; it plays a vital role in preserving long-term skin health and preventing skin cancer. Given Hluhluwe's Cfa climate, characterized by warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, residents and visitors alike must be vigilant about the potential risks associated with elevated UV exposure, particularly between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when the UV Index reaches levels 4 and 5. Being proactive about UV awareness can make all the difference in enjoying the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin.
The UV Index for the day showcases a clear peak during the midday hours, rising from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it reaches 2, but the real intensity hits at 10:00, soaring to 4. The maximum exposure occurs around 11:00 and 12:00, both maintaining a 5 on the scale, urging sun-seekers to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently declines to 4 at 13:00, then dips further to 3 by 14:00. By the time the clock strikes 15:00, it drops to 2, and the evening sets in with a comfortable 1 at 16:00. After 17:00, the UV Index drops to 0, signaling a safe end to sun-related activities.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | 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 |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring in the winter months. From January to March, the index remains extremely high, peaking at 15 in January, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. April sees a drop to 9 (very high), where the burn time increases slightly to 15 minutes. By May, the index lowers further to 6 (high), allowing for 25 minutes of safe exposure. However, the summer months of June and July remain moderate at 5, with safe exposure times extending to 30 minutes. As we approach fall, the index rises again, with September at 9 (very high) and a 15-minute burn time, followed by an October spike to 11 (extreme) and a 10-minute burn time. November to December maintains an extreme category of 13 to 14, again restricting exposure to 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should stay vigilant during the high-risk months of January, February, March, October, November, and December, taking necessary precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure and prevent 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 |
| Durban UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Hluhluwe | 15 | 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 |