UV Index in Polokwane, South Africa

Last updated: August 1, 2025

In Polokwane, South Africa, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. As a vibrant city often bathed in sunshine, understanding UV levels is essential to protect yourself from harmful solar radiation, especially during the peak hours of 11 AM to 1 PM when the UV Index can soar to a striking 7. Given Polokwane's semi-arid climate (BSh), residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant about their sun exposure to enjoy the beautiful outdoors without compromising their skin's health. Stay informed, stay protected!

Hourly UV Index in Polokwane

At dawn, the UV Index starts off low, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises higher, it reaches 3 by 09:00, before climbing to a peak of 7 at 12:00. This midday intensity signifies a need for sun protection, especially during the height of the day when UV exposure is most potent. The index begins to decline in the afternoon, dropping to 5 at 14:00 and settling back to 1 by 17:00. By 18:00 and into the evening, the UV Index sharply drops to 0, marking a safe time to enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of sunburn. Stay sun-safe!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	7	high	25 min
11:00	9	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	4	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Polokwane

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Polokwane, South Africa

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Polokwane. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Polokwane, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Polokwane UV Index with Other South Africa Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Polokwane compares to other major locations across South Africa. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Polokwane's solar exposure compared to other cities in South Africa. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Polokwane	16	16	13	11	8	6	7	9	11	13	15	16