Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Vryheid, South Africa is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. With its Cwb climate, Vryheid experiences varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day, peaking at UV Index values of 6 around noon. This heightened exposure can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if not managed properly. By staying informed about the UV levels, residents and visitors can take proactive steps to protect themselves, ensuring enjoyable outdoor activities while minimizing health risks. Remember, knowledge is your best defense against harmful UV rays!
The UV Index today showcased a notable increase from the early morning hours, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rose higher in the sky, the index climbed steadily, reaching a significant 6 by 12:00, indicating a peak in UV radiation and the need for sun protection. The afternoon saw a slight decline, with values dropping to 4 at 14:00 and falling further to 2 by 15:00. As the day wound down, the UV index returned to a safer range, ending the day at 0 by 19:00. It’s crucial to stay informed and safeguard your skin during those high UV hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | 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, 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 |
| Vryheid | 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 |