Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Thohoyandou, South Africa, where the climate often features warm temperatures and intense sunlight. As UV levels typically peak around noon, being informed about these fluctuations can help prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With UV Index values reaching as high as 6 during midday, it’s essential for everyone to take precautions to minimize exposure and enjoy the sun safely. Stay vigilant, as knowing the UV Index in Thohoyandou can make all the difference in safeguarding your well-being under the African sun!
The UV Index in this hourly snapshot reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day. Early morning sees low levels, with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, indicating minimal risk for skin damage. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where caution is advised due to an increased risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By mid-afternoon, the index starts to drop, falling to 4 at 2:00 PM, and then further declines towards evening, with readings of 2 at 3:00 PM and returning to 1 by 4:00 PM. The day concludes with a relief as the index reaches 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling a safe time to be outdoors without sun protection. This data serves as a reminder to stay vigilant during peak hours to protect your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking in the winter months with extreme levels of 15 in January, February, and November, as well as 14 in December, all of which carry a burn time of just 10 minutes. The transitional months of March and April maintain high UV exposure at an index of 13 and 11, respectively. May marks a slight decrease to a very high index of 8, increasing burn time to 15 minutes, while June and July lower the index to 6 and 7, categorized as high, allowing for a more substantial burn time of 25 minutes. In August, the UV index rises slightly to 9, indicating very high exposure once again, before returning to extreme levels in September (11) and October (13). As a result, January, February, March, April, September, October, and November are particularly high-risk months. To ensure safety, visitors and residents should prioritize sun protection, especially during peak hours, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limit direct sun exposure during these months.
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 |
| Thohoyandou | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 14 |