Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Melmoth, South Africa, awareness of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With an increasing UV exposure during midday hours, understanding these levels is crucial to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The Cfa climate in Melmoth brings warm temperatures and ample sunshine, making it vital to stay informed about UV risks throughout the day. From a mild index of 1 early in the morning to a peak of 5 around noon, knowing when to shield yourself from the sun's rays can help you enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a steady rise in intensity, peaking at 12:00 PM with a value of 5—a clear indicator for sun protection. Mornings start off gentle with an index of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, climbing to 2 by 09:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index increases to 3 at 10:00 and escalates to 4 by 11:00. However, the intensity peaks at 12:00 PM before gradually declining in the afternoon; it slips back to 4 at 1:00 PM, then 3 at 2:00 PM, 2 at 3:00 PM, and finally returns to a safer 1 by 4:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, the UV exposure is negligible at 0, allowing for a safe evening outside. Keeping an eye on these UV levels can ensure you enjoy the sunshine while staying protected!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal variation, with extreme levels persisting from January to March and then reappearing in October to December. During these months, the UV Index peaks at 15 in January and decreases to 14 in December, each associated with a burn time of just 10 minutes. April and September also present very high risk with indices of 9 and 10, respectively, allowing slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Conversely, May sees a reduction to a high risk of 6, permitting 25 minutes of safe exposure, while June and July feature moderate levels with indices of 5 and a burn time of 30 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, visitors and residents should take extra precautions between January and March and again from October to December when UV exposure is most extreme. It's essential to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of 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 |
| Durban UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Melmoth | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 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 |