Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in eMbalenhle, South Africa is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With a climate characterized by varied exposure to sunlight, awareness of UV levels helps residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about outdoor activities. Throughout the day, UV radiation peaks between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, reaching a maximum index of 7, which poses a significant risk for skin damage. By staying informed about these levels, eMbalenhle’s community can protect themselves from harmful effects and enjoy the beautiful sunshine safely.
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!
| 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index indicates significant seasonal variations, with the highest values occurring from January to April, where it reaches an extreme level of 16 in January and December, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. February and March also maintain an extreme exposure category (UV Index 15 and 13 respectively), necessitating cautious sun protection measures. April sees a slight decrease to a UV Index of 11, still categorized as extreme. As the warmer months approach, the UV Index relaxes to 7 in May and 6 in June and July, classified as high, allowing for longer burn times of 25 minutes. However, August brings a spike back to a very high UV Index of 9, with a shorter burn time of 15 minutes. From September to November, we again encounter extreme UV levels, with indices hovering around 11 to 14 and consistent burn risks of 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise heightened sun safety measures, particularly during the high-risk months of January through April, and again in September through November, to prevent sunburn and skin damage. Regular application of broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours are essential practices.
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 |
| Pretoria UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| eMbalenhle | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Soweto UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |