Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Hluhluwe, South Africa, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index serves as a vital indicator of sun intensity, allowing residents and visitors to take precautionary measures against harmful UV radiation, which can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Hluhluwe's temperate climate featuring diverse wildlife and vibrant outdoor activities, awareness of UV levels is essential, especially during the peak hours when readings can reach up to 5 around noon. Knowing when and how to shield yourself from the sun can significantly enhance your outdoor experience while prioritizing your skin's health and well-being.
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 | 7 | 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 |
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 |