Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Mandeni, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun exposure, ensuring they enjoy the beautiful, sunny climate without compromising their well-being. With a Cfa climate that often features high UV risks—especially around midday when the index peaks at a level 5—staying informed about local UV conditions can significantly impact your outdoor activities and overall skin protection. Don’t let the sun catch you off guard; be proactive about your UV awareness in Mandeni!
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, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with extreme levels persisting from January to March, peaking at 14. The high-risk months for UV exposure, defined by an index of 9 or higher, include January, February, March, October, November, and December. During these months, the burn time is notably brief, often around 10 minutes for most individuals. As we transition into spring and summer, UV levels decrease slightly, falling to a moderate level of 4 to 5 from June to July, before rising again in August. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure to mitigate the risks of UV-related skin damage.
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 |
Mandeni | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
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 |