Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Tzaneen, South Africa, is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With the region’s subtropical climate (Cwa), residents often face varying levels of UV radiation throughout the day. The UV Index can reach a peak of 6 around midday, emphasizing the importance of taking preventive measures against sunburn and skin damage. By being aware of UV levels, you can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing risks associated with prolonged exposure. Stay informed and protect your skin in Tzaneen’s vibrant, sunny environment!
The UV Index starts low in the early morning, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 and 12:00—the perfect time to take precautions if heading outside. By 13:00, it dips slightly to 5, and a more noticeable decline occurs in the afternoon, falling to 2 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops off sharply, reaching 1 by 16:00, and finally 0 past 18:00. It’s clear that midday sun calls for some sun safety measures, but the later hours provide a much more forgiving environment for enjoying the outdoors!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with extreme exposure categories occurring primarily in the winter months. From January to April, the UV Index remains high (between 11 and 15), indicating extreme risk with a dangerously short burn time of 10 minutes—making these high-risk months for sun exposure. In May and August, the UV Index drops slightly to 8 and 9, categorized as very high, allowing for a bit more time (15 minutes) before burning occurs. June and July present a moderate relief, with a high UV Index of 6, where burn time extends to 25 minutes. As summer wanes into September and October, the UV Index rises again to 10 and 12, returning to very high and extreme categories, respectively, with short burn times of 15 and 10 minutes. November maintains an extreme level at 14, again emphasizing the need for caution. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures against UV exposure year-round, especially during the extreme months, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting outdoor activities during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Tzaneen | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 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 |