Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Thohoyandou, South Africa, staying informed about the UV Index is vital for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly in this hot semi-arid climate where UV exposure can peak dramatically. With maximum UV index values reaching 7 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, it's crucial to monitor conditions regularly and implement sun safety measures to enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin.
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!
| 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 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 |