Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Nelspruit, South Africa, where the Cwb climate brings warm, sunny days with varying UV exposure. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, as excessive UV radiation can lead to long-term skin damage. With daily peaks reaching 6 on the index, especially around noon, the need for protective measures becomes evident. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy Nelspruit's beautiful climate while safeguarding your skin from harmful exposure.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic hourly dance of sun intensity, peaking dramatically around 12:00 PM with a maximum of 6. Early hours from 07:00 AM to 09:00 AM maintain a low level, hovering between 1 and 2, making it a safe time for morning activities. However, as the clock strikes 10:00 AM, the index climbs sharply to 4, indicating the sun is becoming increasingly potent. By 11:00 AM, it reaches 5, urging sun protection measures. The afternoon sees a slight decline, dropping to 3 by 2:00 PM, and further plummeting to 1 by 4:00 PM, signaling that the risk from UV exposure diminishes as the day winds down. Finally, the evening brings a welcomed reprieve with the index falling to 0 after 6:00 PM, inviting everyone to enjoy the cooler hours under the fading sun. Remember to stay safe and protect yourself during the peak 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 | 3 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with extreme UV indices recorded from January to March and again in September to November, necessitating heightened caution during these high-risk months. Specifically, January and February see a peak UV Index of 16, with a burn time of just 10 minutes, indicating an urgent need for protective measures. As spring approaches, the UV Index drops slightly but remains at very high levels in April and May, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. In the summer months of June and July, the UV Index stabilizes at 6, classified as high, allowing for slightly longer outdoor exposure time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the extreme UV periods—such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade—particularly from September to November and during mid-winter months to ensure skin 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 |
| Nelspruit | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 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 |