Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Thabazimbi, South Africa, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels allows residents and visitors to protect themselves from harmful ultraviolet radiation, especially during the sunniest hours of the day. Thabazimbi's semi-arid climate (BSh) means that UV exposure can be particularly intense, with peak values reaching 7 at midday. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
The UV Index data for the day reveals a notable peak around noon, reaching a maximum of 7, indicating a high level of sun exposure. The morning begins with a mild index, starting at 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it rises to 2, slowly climbing to 4 by 10:00. The intensity escalates significantly by 11:00 and hits its zenith at 12:00. After that, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 6 at 13:00 and 5 at 14:00, before falling to 3 by 15:00. As the evening approaches, the UV Index decreases rapidly, returning to 1 by 16:00 and reaching 0 by 18:00, signaling an end to the sun's harmful rays for the day. Remember to stay protected during those 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 | 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 |
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 |
| Thabazimbi | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |