Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Ermelo, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With its Cwb climate, characterized by moderate temperatures and varying UV exposure, understanding these levels can be the key to enjoying the outdoors safely. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can reach a high of 6, which poses significant risks for unprotected skin. Staying informed about these UV levels is essential not just for sunburn prevention but also for long-term skin health in this sunny region.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM at a robust 6. Early hours, without much intensity, see UV levels of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, activity picks up, reaching 3, and continues to climb until it hits 4 by 10:00 AM. The midday sun really asserts its presence, maintaining a strong 6 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, which is a critical time for sun safety awareness. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, falling to 2 by 3:00 PM, and later diminishing to a mere 0 by 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. It's a day of notable UV fluctuation, highlighting the importance of protection during the peak hours!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring in the winter months of January and December, where the UV Index reaches 16 and is classified as extreme, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes. The spring months of March and April also see high UV levels, transitioning from extreme (UV Index of 13) to very high (UV Index of 10). As summer approaches, the UV Index drops slightly to 6 in June and July, categorized as high, allowing for longer burn times of 25 minutes. However, in August, the level rises again to 9 and shifts back to very high, and September returns to an extreme level at 11. The trend continues into October and November, both marked by an extreme UV Index of 13 and 14, respectively. Residents and visitors should take precautions during the high-risk months, especially from January to April and later in September to November, by wearing appropriate sun protection, seeking shade, and limiting sun exposure to reduce 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 |
| 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 |
| Ermelo | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |