Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Izingolweni, South Africa, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels can empower residents and visitors alike to take appropriate precautions during peak sunlight hours. With a humid subtropical climate, Izingolweni typically experiences moderate UV exposure, particularly between 11 AM and 1 PM when the index can rise to 5, posing increased risks. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin's health.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a distinct pattern, with the intensity peaking at 12:00 PM when it reaches a noteworthy level of 5. Morning hours start off mild, with values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, gradually escalating to 2 by 09:00, then climbing to 4 at 11:00. Post-noon, the index slightly decreases, falling to 4 again at 13:00, before tapering off to 2 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the levels drop significantly, plunging to 0 by 19:00. This highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 exhibit significant fluctuations, particularly peaking in the extreme range during the winter and early spring months. January and February both register an extreme UV Index of 14, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into spring, March retains this high level with an Index of 12, while April drops to a very high 9 with a burn time of 15 minutes. May marks a reduction as the Index decreases to 6 (high) and June further drops to 4 (moderate), indicating safer sun exposure conditions. However, the UV risks spike again in August and return to higher levels in September and October, with an Index of 10 (very high) and 11 (extreme), respectively. The year's intensity culminates in the late fall and winter, as November and December exhibit UV indices at 13 and 15 (both extreme), necessitating swift protective measures. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to remain vigilant in high-risk months from January through April and October through December, ensuring adequate sun protection such as using high-SPF sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure to recommended burn times.
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 |
| Izingolweni | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Durban UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| 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 |