Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Bochum, South Africa, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and health. With increasing sun exposure, awareness of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. In Bochum's semi-arid climate, typical UV exposure peaks around midday, with readings reaching up to 6—notably intense for this region. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sunny outdoors while protecting your skin's vitality.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM at a robust 6. Early hours, without much intensity, see UV levels of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, activity picks up, reaching 3, and continues to climb until it hits 4 by 10:00 AM. The midday sun really asserts its presence, maintaining a strong 6 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, which is a critical time for sun safety awareness. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, falling to 2 by 3:00 PM, and later diminishing to a mere 0 by 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. It's a day of notable UV fluctuation, highlighting the importance of protection during the peak hours!
| 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 | 4 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest measurements occurring from January to April, where the UV Index remains in the extreme range (16-11) and the burn time is limited to 10 minutes. Specifically, January through April are marked as the high-risk months, necessitating heightened awareness and protective measures against sun exposure. As we move into May and June, the UV Index drops to 8 and 6, categorized as very high and high, respectively, with burn times extending to 15 and 25 minutes. July and August maintain this lower UV range but shift back into the very high category in August, emphasizing the need for continued caution. A rise in UV levels occurs again in September and October, back to extreme, and remains elevated in November and December. Visitors and residents alike should be vigilant during these months, utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during peak sun hours, to minimize 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 |
| 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 |
| Bochum | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 |