Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Komatipoort, South Africa. This small town experiences a BSh climate, characterized by hot, dry conditions that often lead to elevated UV levels, especially during midday hours. Being aware of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health. From 10 AM to 2 PM, the UV Index can peak at 5, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Make informed decisions about sun safety to enjoy the beautiful weather without compromising your skin's well-being.
The UV Index for the day showcases a clear peak during the midday hours, rising from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it reaches 2, but the real intensity hits at 10:00, soaring to 4. The maximum exposure occurs around 11:00 and 12:00, both maintaining a 5 on the scale, urging sun-seekers to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently declines to 4 at 13:00, then dips further to 3 by 14:00. By the time the clock strikes 15:00, it drops to 2, and the evening sets in with a comfortable 1 at 16:00. After 17:00, the UV Index drops to 0, signaling a safe end to sun-related activities.
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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying risks for sun exposure. The highest risk months are from January to March and from October to December, with UV indices peaking at 15 in January and December. During these months, the exposure category is considered extreme, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. The spring months see a slight decrease, with April dropping to a very high level of 10, while May and June offer a moderate risk, with indices of 7 and 5 respectively. July and August see a return to high UV levels, particularly in August at 8. As such, residents and visitors should take precautions during these high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to minimize the risk of UV 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 |
Komatipoort | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
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 |