UV Index in Bethal, South Africa

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Bethal, South Africa. With its Cwb climate zone, the region experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when exposure can lead to harmful sunburn and long-term skin health issues. By staying informed about the current UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects, particularly during those hours when the UV Index reaches a significant level of 6. Awareness can make all the difference in enjoying the sun safely in this beautiful part of the world!

Hourly UV Index in Bethal

The UV Index today showcased a notable increase from the early morning hours, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rose higher in the sky, the index climbed steadily, reaching a significant 6 by 12:00, indicating a peak in UV radiation and the need for sun protection. The afternoon saw a slight decline, with values dropping to 4 at 14:00 and falling further to 2 by 15:00. As the day wound down, the UV index returned to a safer range, ending the day at 0 by 19:00. It’s crucial to stay informed and safeguard your skin during those high UV hours!

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	2	low	45 min
10:00	4	moderate	30 min
11:00	5	moderate	30 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 Bethal

The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with extreme levels from January to March and again in September to November, indicating high risk for skin damage. April and May also show very high readings, particularly in May with a UV Index of 8. During these high-risk months, such as January (UV Index 16) and February (UV Index 15), residents and visitors should take precautions due to the minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, the UV Index slightly decreases to a high level in June and July (UV Index 6), allowing for a 25-minute burn time. However, caution is still advised. Overall, it is essential for everyone to use adequate sun protection, particularly from October through March when UV levels spike again. Always wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during peak hours to ensure safety.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Bethal, South Africa

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Bethal 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.

Bethal'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
Bethal	16	15	13	10	8	6	6	9	11	13	14	15