Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mokopane, South Africa, is crucial for ensuring your skin's health and preventing painful sunburns. With a climate classified as BSh, Mokopane experiences significant variations in UV exposure throughout the day, peaking around noon with a UV Index reaching 7. By being aware of these UV levels, you can make informed choices about sun protection and outdoor activities, safeguarding yourself against potential skin damage. Whether you're enjoying the sunny days or just running errands, knowing the UV Index empowers you to take the necessary precautions and enjoy the beautiful South African sun safely.
The UV Index data for the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun exposure. Starting off at a low level, both 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM maintain a mere index of 1, indicating minimal UV radiation. As the sun climbs higher, 9:00 AM sees the index rise to 3, gradually peaking at 12:00 PM with an intense 7, suggesting it's time for sun protection. The afternoon hours show a slight decline, with 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM still holding strong at 6 and 5 respectively. As the day winds down, the index drops sharply after 3:00 PM, falling back to a 1 by 4:00 PM and eventually reaching 0 by 6:00 PM, marking a safe return from the sun's harsh rays. It's a reminder of the importance of sun safety during those midday 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels consistently occurring in the winter months of January and February, where both register at 16, categorizing exposure as extreme and necessitating a mere 10 minutes of sun exposure before burning. Following closely, March through April also showcases extreme UV levels, before tapering slightly in May, where the index drops to 8 but remains in the very high range. June and July see mild reductions, landing at 6 and 7, respectively, representing high exposure risks with a burn time of 25 minutes. Nevertheless, as the season transitions back to fall, September and October return to extreme levels, particularly notable in September at 11 and October at 13, while November maintains a high index of 14. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant from January through April and again in September and October, as these are critical months for high UV exposure risks. It's advisable for everyone to adopt protective measures, including wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, during these high-risk periods to minimize adverse effects from 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 |
| Mokopane | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |