Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Impendle, South Africa, is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing painful sunburns. As a location characterized by a Cwb climate, Impendle experiences varying UV exposure levels throughout the day, peaking at 7 between noon and early afternoon. Being aware of these fluctuations enables residents and visitors to protect themselves when UV levels are elevated, ensuring safer outdoor activities while enjoying the region's natural beauty. So, whether you're basking in the sun or exploring the beautiful landscapes, stay informed and stay safe!
The UV Index reveals an early morning reprieve, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and remaining low through 9:00 AM. However, as the sun climbs, intensity increases sharply, peaking at a 7 around noon, signaling the most potent UV exposure of the day. The early afternoon maintains a respectable UV level of 6 at 1:00 PM before gradually tapering off. By mid-afternoon, it drops to 4, then swiftly declines to 1 by 4:00 PM, and finally settles at 0 by 6:00 PM, marking the day's end for UV concern. This hourly trend underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |