Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Lydenburg, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin's health. Understanding UV levels is essential to prevent sunburn and reduce the long-term risk of skin damage, especially during peak hours when the UV index rises to 6 around midday. With a Cwb climate, Lydenburg experiences moderate temperatures and varying UV exposure throughout the day, posing a unique challenge for both residents and visitors. Taking proactive measures against UV radiation can help ensure that your time outdoors is not only enjoyable but also safe!
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 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 |
| Lydenburg | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| Soweto UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |