Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Izingolweni, South Africa, where the subtropical climate brings about significant sun exposure throughout the year. Awareness of UV levels is vital not only for sunburn prevention but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With midday UV Index readings peaking at 6 during the hotter months, it's essential to protect your skin from harmful rays, especially when outdoor activities are on the agenda. Stay informed about the sun's intensity, as this knowledge empowers you to enjoy the beautiful Izingolweni days while safeguarding your health.
The UV Index starts low in the early morning, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 and 12:00—the perfect time to take precautions if heading outside. By 13:00, it dips slightly to 5, and a more noticeable decline occurs in the afternoon, falling to 2 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops off sharply, reaching 1 by 16:00, and finally 0 past 18:00. It’s clear that midday sun calls for some sun safety measures, but the later hours provide a much more forgiving environment for enjoying the outdoors!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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, 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 |