Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Kokstad, South Africa, as it helps in safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Daily UV levels indicate the potential risk of sunburn, skin damage, and long-term health issues like skin cancer. Kokstad’s oceanic climate often leads to varying UV exposure throughout the year, particularly during midday when levels can peak at 5. This makes it essential to stay informed about the UV Index while enjoying the outdoors, helping you take necessary precautions to protect your skin and ensure your health.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a notable oscillation in sun exposure. Early morning hours from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM see a mild UV Index of 1, indicating minimal risk. As the sun ascends, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 5 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, marking the day’s highest risk for skin damage. Following this peak, the index tapers off in the afternoon, returning to a manageable 2 by 3:00 PM, before descending to a safe 0 by 6:00 PM. It’s clear that the primary concern for sun safety lies during mid-day; ensure to protect your skin when the UV Index hits its zenith!
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking in the winter months of January and February with an extreme rating of 15, implying a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure and a burn time of just 10 minutes. This pattern continues through March (UV Index 13) and reaches a high of 16 in December. From April to September, the UV Index reveals a decrease, with April and September still classified as having a very high level, while May and August fall under the high category. The summer months of June and July show a moderate risk (UV Index 5), allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 30 minutes. As outdoor activities increase, it's crucial for both visitors and residents to exercise caution, particularly during January to March and November to December, the months with the highest UV ratings. Appropriate sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, are advised during these high-risk periods.
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 |
| Kokstad | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| 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 |