Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mokopane, South Africa is crucial for protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays. With its semi-arid climate (BSh), Mokopane often experiences intense sun exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the UV levels can soar to a high of 6. Being aware of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. As the UV Index fluctuates throughout the day—from a mild 1 in the early morning to a peak of 6 around noon—it's vital to take necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely.
The UV Index for today reveals a steady climb in radiation as the sun rises, starting at 1 at 07:00 and maintaining this low level until 09:00. From 10:00 onward, the index escalates to a peak of 6 by 11:00 and 12:00, making midday the most intense for UV exposure. As the afternoon progresses, it gradually tapers off, descending to 4 at 14:00 and dropping further to 2 by 15:00. The evening brings a welcome relief, with levels plunging to 1 by 16:00 and ultimately falling to 0 between 18:00 and 19:00. Stay protected during those peak hours! 🌞
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 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 |