Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Matatiele, South Africa, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also supports long-term skin health. Nestled in a cool temperate climate, Matatiele experiences varying UV exposure, particularly peaking during midday hours when the index can soar to 6. Being prepared and informed can safeguard against potential risks, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while prioritizing their health.
The UV Index in this hourly snapshot reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day. Early morning sees low levels, with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, indicating minimal risk for skin damage. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where caution is advised due to an increased risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By mid-afternoon, the index starts to drop, falling to 4 at 2:00 PM, and then further declines towards evening, with readings of 2 at 3:00 PM and returning to 1 by 4:00 PM. The day concludes with a relief as the index reaches 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling a safe time to be outdoors without sun protection. This data serves as a reminder to stay vigilant during peak hours to protect your skin!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 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, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with January and December reaching the highest levels at 16, categorizing exposure as extreme and resulting in a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are notably February, March, September, October, and November, all with extreme categories and a quick burn time of 10 minutes. In contrast, April sees a drop to an index of 10 (very high) with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. As spring progresses into summer, the risks decrease with June and July maintaining a moderate index of 5, allowing a more tolerable burn time of 30 minutes. However, residents and visitors should remain vigilant, especially during high-risk months, by seeking shade, applying sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing to mitigate the risks of UV exposure.
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 |
| Matatiele | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 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 |