Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Marble Hall, South Africa, where the sun shines brightly over the BSh climate. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a significant role in maintaining overall skin health. With peak UV indices reaching up to 6 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, it's essential for locals to recognize the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure, especially during these high-intensity hours. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins to rise, peaking sharply around midday. From a gentle 1 at 7 AM, it escalates to a moderate 6 between 11 AM and 1 PM, signaling peak sun exposure. During these crucial hours, it's essential to protect your skin with sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity wanes, dropping to 4 at 2 PM and further declining to 3 by 3 PM. By 4 PM, it returns to a safe 1, and finally settles to 0 after sunset, making late afternoon and evening hours ideal for outdoor activities without the risk of UV damage. Stay informed and enjoy the sun responsibly!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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 |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, with extreme levels recorded from January to March, prompting a cautionary approach for outdoor activities during these months where burn time is as short as 10 minutes. April and May still present very high UV levels, with a burn time of 15 minutes, making them high-risk months as well. From June to July, the UV Index reduces to high, enabling 25 minutes of exposure without burns, but caution is still advisable. After a brief reprieve, August, September, and October see a return to very high and extreme categories, with burn times ranging from 10 to 15 minutes in October, emphasizing the need for protective measures. As November and December roll in, UV levels spike back to extreme, reiterating that residents and visitors should remain vigilant and adopt sun safety practices year-round, especially during the peak months of January through March and again in October and November.
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 |
| Marble Hall | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 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 |