Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Vryheid, South Africa is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With its characteristic Cwb climate, Vryheid experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, primarily peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when values reach 5. Awareness of UV levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburn but also for reducing long-term skin damage. As you navigate the sunny days of Vryheid, understanding these risks can empower you to enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin.
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 |
| 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 |