Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Ladysmith, South Africa, where the Cwa climate can lead to fluctuating UV exposure throughout the day. With UV levels peaking at a moderate 5 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, being aware of these levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. As the sun shines brightly in this charming town, knowing how to protect yourself from harmful UV rays can make all the difference in enjoying the outdoors safely. Stay informed and keep your skin safe!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, providing a safe environment for morning activities. The intensity gradually increases, reaching 2 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it climbs to 4, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The peak arrives at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where the index hits 5, signaling a need for sun protection. The afternoon sees a decline, with readings at 4 at 1:00 PM, tapering to 3 by 2:00 PM. As the day begins to wind down, the UV Index drops steadily back to 1 by 4:00 PM, and sinks to 0 after 6:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of safeguarding against UV exposure, especially during the midday hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variations, peaking during the winter months and into early spring. From January to March, the index remains at 15, categorizing exposure as extreme with a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring approaches, April sees a slight decrease to 10, still marked as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. The summer months, particularly May and July, present high UV levels of 7 and 6, manageable with 25-30 minutes of exposure, while June dips to 5 (moderate). Moving into late summer, August rises again to 8 (very high) with a reduced burn time of 15 minutes. The danger resurfaces in September and October with 11 and 12 respectively, both extreme, requiring protective measures within 10 minutes. Finally, November and December escalate to 14 and 16 (extreme), emphasizing the need for caution during outdoor activities. Residents and visitors should take preventative precautions, especially in high-risk months from January to March, and again in September through December, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade when necessary.
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 |
| Ladysmith | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 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 |