Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Louis Trichardt, South Africa, is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With its warm BSh climate, residents and visitors alike should be aware of the varying UV levels throughout the day. Particularly during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, when the UV Index can reach as high as 6, the risk of harmful exposure increases significantly. By understanding and monitoring these UV levels, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely and protect yourself from long-term skin damage. Whether you’re exploring the stunning landscapes or engaging in outdoor activities, awareness of the UV Index is key to a healthier, sun-smart lifestyle.
The UV Index in this hourly snapshot reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day. Early morning sees low levels, with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, indicating minimal risk for skin damage. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where caution is advised due to an increased risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By mid-afternoon, the index starts to drop, falling to 4 at 2:00 PM, and then further declines towards evening, with readings of 2 at 3:00 PM and returning to 1 by 4:00 PM. The day concludes with a relief as the index reaches 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling a safe time to be outdoors without sun protection. This data serves as a reminder to stay vigilant during peak hours to protect your skin!
| 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 | 5 | 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 varies significantly throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring from January to April and again in November and December, all categorized as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. March and October also reflect high values of 13 and 15, making them months of concern for skin safety. The burn time increases to 15 minutes in May and August, where the UV Index remains very high. June and July offer slightly lower risks at 6 and 7 (high), allowing for a 25-minute burn time. However, risk intensifies again in September, returning to an extreme level of 11. Visitors and residents should practice sun safety diligently, especially during high-risk months (January through April and November), by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure.
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 |
| Louis Trichardt | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 |