Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Barberton, South Africa, where sun exposure is a significant factor in skin health. High UV levels can lead to sunburn and increase the long-term risk of skin cancer, making it essential for people to stay informed about daily fluctuations. With Barberton's Cwa climate, characterized by warm summers and relatively mild winters, the region experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day. During peak hours, especially around 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the UV Index can reach levels of 6, indicating a heightened risk for skin damage. By staying aware of these UV levels, you can take the necessary precautions to protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful South African sun safely.
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 levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with extreme UV indices recorded from January to March and again in September to November, necessitating heightened caution during these high-risk months. Specifically, January and February see a peak UV Index of 16, with a burn time of just 10 minutes, indicating an urgent need for protective measures. As spring approaches, the UV Index drops slightly but remains at very high levels in April and May, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. In the summer months of June and July, the UV Index stabilizes at 6, classified as high, allowing for slightly longer outdoor exposure time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the extreme UV periods—such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade—particularly from September to November and during mid-winter months to ensure skin safety.
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 |
| Barberton | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 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 |