Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Impendle, South Africa, where the sun shines brightly, especially during mid-day hours. As you navigate the beautiful landscapes, being aware of UV levels helps you protect your skin from the risks of sunburn and long-term damage. With Impendle's distinct Cwb climate, which features a mix of wet and dry seasons, UV exposure can vary significantly throughout the year. During peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the UV Index reaches levels of 5, awareness is key to enjoying the sun safely. Stay informed and protect your skin while savoring the natural beauty of this stunning region!
Starting your day early has its perks, as the UV Index remains quite low—hovering between 1 and 2 from 07:00 to 09:00. However, as the sun rises higher, expect a noticeable increase in UV exposure. By 11:00, the index peaks at a robust 5, indicating a need for protection, especially around midday when it stays elevated at 5 until 13:00. Post-noon, the index begins to taper off, dropping back to 4 by 14:00 and down to 1 as evening approaches from 16:00 onward, where it finally settles at 0 by 18:00. To enjoy your day safely, consider applying sunscreen during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with extreme levels observed from January to March and again in September, October, and November. The highest UV Index recorded is 17 in December, emphasizing a persistent risk for sunburn with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The transition into April sees a decrease to a very high category (UV Index 10), allowing for slightly longer exposure of 15 minutes. As summer approaches, the UV Index decreases to moderate in June and July (UV Index 5), before rising again to very high in August (UV Index 8). Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions, especially during high-risk months (January, February, March, September, October, November) when the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is at its peak. Always ensure to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen, and seek shade during peak hours to mitigate these risks effectively.
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 |
| Impendle | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 17 |
| 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 |