UV Index in Balfour, South Africa

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Balfour, South Africa is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With a Cwb climate that features a mix of warm summers and mild winters, Balfour sees varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day. Peak UV levels, reaching up to 7 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, underscore the importance of being mindful of sun exposure to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely and maintain healthy skin.

Hourly UV Index in Balfour

As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low at 1 from 07:00 to 08:00, offering a gentle start to the day. However, as the hours progress, the intensity increases, reaching 3 by 09:00 and peaking at 7 between 11:00 and 13:00. This midday surge signifies the sun's powerful rays, urging everyone to take precautions for skin protection. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 5 at 14:00, and further decreasing to 3 by 15:00. The evening brings relief, with the index falling to 1 by 16:00 and 0 from 18:00 onward. Embrace the early hours for outdoor activities, but stay vigilant during lunchtime when the sun is at its strongest!

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	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	5	moderate	30 min
11:00	7	high	25 min
12:00	7	high	25 min
13:00	7	high	25 min
14:00	5	moderate	30 min
15:00	3	moderate	30 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Balfour

The UV Index experiences dramatic seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from January to April where it consistently reaches an extreme level of 15 to 13, equating to a burn time of just 10 minutes. September to November shows a resurgence of these extreme conditions, particularly in November with a UV Index of 14. The months of May to July see a slight dip into the high category (UV Index of 6 to 7), allowing for longer exposure times of 25 minutes, before escalating to very high levels in August with a burn time of only 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during the high-risk months of January to April and September to November, ensuring to take precautions such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Balfour, South Africa

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Balfour. 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 Balfour, 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 Balfour UV Index with Other South Africa Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Balfour 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.

Balfour'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
Balfour	15	15	13	11	7	6	6	8	11	12	14	15
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