Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Mankoeng, South Africa, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With a Cwa climate characterized by hot summers, the sun's rays can be particularly strong, especially between the hours of 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the UV Index peaks at 6. Awareness of UV levels is essential for residents and visitors alike, as it empowers you to take protective measures during the day. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful Mankoeng weather while keeping your skin safe from harmful UV exposure.
The UV Index starts low in the early morning, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 and 12:00—the perfect time to take precautions if heading outside. By 13:00, it dips slightly to 5, and a more noticeable decline occurs in the afternoon, falling to 2 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops off sharply, reaching 1 by 16:00, and finally 0 past 18:00. It’s clear that midday sun calls for some sun safety measures, but the later hours provide a much more forgiving environment for enjoying the outdoors!
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 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 displays significant seasonal variation, with extreme levels persisting from January through April and again in September to November. The highest risk months for UV exposure are January, February, and December, each with a UV Index of 16, indicating an extreme exposure category and a burn time of only 10 minutes. April also has an extreme rating at 11. In contrast, May and August have very high levels with UV indices of 8 and 9 respectively, leading to longer burn times of 15 minutes. This information emphasizes the importance of protective measures such as sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, particularly during these high-risk months. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant and prioritize safety throughout the year, especially during the extreme exposure periods.
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 |
Mankoeng | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |