Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Hoedspruit, South Africa, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. As a region characterized by a BSh climate, locals and visitors alike face varying levels of UV exposure, especially during the mid-morning to early afternoon when values peak at 6. By staying informed about these UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin from harmful rays and enjoy the beautiful outdoor activities that Hoedspruit has to offer. Remember, whether you’re on a safari or lounging by the pool, keeping UV awareness at the forefront of your plans will help ensure your sun-soaked adventures are both enjoyable and safe!
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 | 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 values in the region display significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring in the winter and late fall months. January, February, October, November, and December all feature extreme UV Index ratings of 15 and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes, making these months particularly high-risk for sunburn. In March, April, May, and September, UV exposure remains concerning, with values ranging from 10 to 12, categorized as very high to extreme, while June, July, and August see a decrease to high levels (6 to 9), allowing for 25 to 15 minutes of safe exposure. Visitors and residents are advised to take stringent sun protection measures—such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during the high-risk months. Stay vigilant and minimize sun exposure during peak hours to ensure skin safety throughout the year.
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 |
| Hoedspruit | 15 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 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 |