Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Driefontein, South Africa, where intense sun exposure can pose significant risks. As a town characterized by its Cwb climate, Driefontein experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking at 7 during midday. Being aware of these levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health, especially given the region's susceptibility to higher UV radiation. By checking the UV Index, you can protect yourself from harmful effects and enjoy the beautiful South African sun safely.
The UV Index today began its ascent at 7:00 AM with a modest 1, slowly climbing to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rose higher, the index reached 3 at 9:00 AM, then jumped to 5 by 10:00 AM. The peak was recorded at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, both hitting a notable 7. By 1:00 PM, the UV Index slightly dipped to 6, followed by a gradual decline to 5 by 2:00 PM. This downward trend continued as it fell to 3 at 3:00 PM and further decreased to 1 by 4:00 PM. The day wrapped up with very low readings of 1 at 5:00 PM, and dropping to 0 by 6:00 PM, indicating a safe evening with minimal UV exposure. Make the most of the sun wisely! ☀️
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | 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 | 6 | 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 |
The UV Index data indicates significant seasonal variations in ultraviolet radiation exposure, with extreme levels (UV Index of 16 to 13) prevalent from January to March and resuming in September to November, marking these months as high-risk for sunburn with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, from April to August, the UV Index drops to very high or high categories (10 to 6), extending burn times to 15 to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, especially during the extreme months. Recommendations include seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen liberally to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
Johannesburg UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
Driefontein | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 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 |