UV Index in Belfast, South Africa

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Belfast, South Africa is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index provides a clear indication of sun exposure levels throughout the day, helping residents and visitors alike prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage. With a climate classified as Cwb, typical UV exposure risks can vary significantly, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks at 6 from 11:00 to 12:00. Being aware of these levels not only promotes better skin health but also encourages safe outdoor activities in this beautiful region.

Hourly UV Index in Belfast

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!

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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Belfast

Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with high-risk months occurring predominantly between January and April, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 16 or 13 and a very high rating of 10 in April, requiring just 10 minutes of sun exposure to cause burns. The summer months see a slight decline in UV intensity, with June and July having a high UV Index of 6 and 7, which increases again to very high levels in August (9) before returning to extreme levels in September (11) and October (13). November also remains high at 14. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during these peak months, such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and limiting exposure during peak sunlight hours to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Belfast, South Africa

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Belfast 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.

Belfast'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
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
Belfast	16	16	13	10	8	6	7	9	11	13	14	16