Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Nkowakowa, South Africa, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin from harmful UV radiation. With peak UV levels reaching 6 during midday, awareness of these measurements can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. This region's Cwa climate brings both sunny days and potential exposure risks, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to track UV levels. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful Nkowakowa outdoors while prioritizing your skin health and well-being.
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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring during the winter months (January, February, and December) where it reaches an extreme level of 15, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. March also remains high at 13. The transition to spring brings a drop to 10 in April, while May retains a very high index of 8. As summer peaks, from June to July, the index lowers to 6, categorized as high, allowing for extended exposure times of 25 minutes. However, August and September elevate the index back to 9 and 10, respectively. In the fall, October presents another extreme high of 12, while November drops slightly to 14. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months, particularly from January to March and October to November, ensuring proper sun protection measures are in place, including sunscreen application and protective clothing, to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Nkowakowa | 15 | 15 | 13 | 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 |