Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Paulpietersburg, South Africa, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With its unique Cwb climate, Paulpietersburg experiences a range of UV levels throughout the day, peaking at a moderate 5 between 11:00 and 12:00. Being aware of these UV fluctuations enables residents and visitors to take necessary precautions during the sunniest hours, helping to reduce risks associated with prolonged sun exposure. As you enjoy the beautiful landscapes, remember that maintaining awareness of the UV Index can make a significant difference in protecting your skin from damage.
The UV Index for the day showcases a clear peak during the midday hours, rising from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it reaches 2, but the real intensity hits at 10:00, soaring to 4. The maximum exposure occurs around 11:00 and 12:00, both maintaining a 5 on the scale, urging sun-seekers to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently declines to 4 at 13:00, then dips further to 3 by 14:00. By the time the clock strikes 15:00, it drops to 2, and the evening sets in with a comfortable 1 at 16:00. After 17:00, the UV Index drops to 0, signaling a safe end to sun-related activities.
| 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index values exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk occurring during the winter months of January, February, and December, where the UV index reaches 15 and is classified as extreme, leading to a burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend continues into March and November, maintaining an extreme index of 12 and 14, respectively. As the season transitions into spring and early summer, the exposure level decreases slightly, with April peaking at a very high UV index of 10 and a burn time of 15 minutes. However, by September, UV levels surge back to extreme, necessitating caution. In contrast, May through July provide somewhat safer exposure with categories of high and moderate; still, July and August see a rise in risk due to high UV levels, particularly August's very high index of 8. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant during these high-risk months, taking precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
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 |
| Paulpietersburg | 15 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 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 |