Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ga-Kgapane, South Africa is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health as you enjoy the outdoors. With UV levels peaking during midday, awareness of these values is essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Ga-Kgapane, characterized by a Cwa climate, experiences significant UV exposure, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the index can reach as high as 6. Be mindful of the UV Index updates to make informed choices about sun protection and keep your skin healthy all year round.
The UV Index demonstrates its daily rhythm, starting off softly with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun climbs, the intensity increases, peaking at a robust 6 from 11:00 to 13:00, encouraging sun safety awareness during these hours. Following the midday high, the index gently declines, dropping to 4 at 14:00, and tapering off to 1 by 16:00. As the sun sets, it graciously recedes into 0 by 18:00, ensuring that the evening hours bring a respite from UV exposure. Remember to protect your skin when the index is high, especially during the bustling hours of noon!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | 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 levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with extreme exposure categories occurring primarily in the winter months. From January to April, the UV Index remains high (between 11 and 15), indicating extreme risk with a dangerously short burn time of 10 minutes—making these high-risk months for sun exposure. In May and August, the UV Index drops slightly to 8 and 9, categorized as very high, allowing for a bit more time (15 minutes) before burning occurs. June and July present a moderate relief, with a high UV Index of 6, where burn time extends to 25 minutes. As summer wanes into September and October, the UV Index rises again to 10 and 12, returning to very high and extreme categories, respectively, with short burn times of 15 and 10 minutes. November maintains an extreme level at 14, again emphasizing the need for caution. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures against UV exposure year-round, especially during the extreme months, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting outdoor activities during peak sun 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 |
| Ga-Kgapane | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 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 |