Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Hendrina, South Africa, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Cwb climate, residents and visitors alike face varying UV exposure risks throughout the day, particularly during peak hours when the index can reach a level of 6 around noon. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take appropriate precautions—like applying sunscreen or wearing protective clothing—ensuring your time under the sun is safe and enjoyable. Being aware of the UV Index not only helps in avoiding immediate discomfort but also aids in long-term skin health, making it an essential aspect of outdoor activities in this scenic part of the world.
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!
| 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 |
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.
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 |
| Hendrina | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |