UV Index in Piet Retief, South Africa

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Piet Retief, South Africa is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region’s Cwb climate bringing varied exposure to solar radiation, knowing the UV levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburns and chronic skin issues. During sunny days, the UV Index can spike, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when values reach up to 6, emphasizing the need for awareness and protection. By staying informed about local UV conditions, you can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing risks and ensuring your skin stays healthy.

Hourly UV Index in Piet Retief

The UV Index for today reveals a steady climb in radiation as the sun rises, starting at 1 at 07:00 and maintaining this low level until 09:00. From 10:00 onward, the index escalates to a peak of 6 by 11:00 and 12:00, making midday the most intense for UV exposure. As the afternoon progresses, it gradually tapers off, descending to 4 at 14:00 and dropping further to 2 by 15:00. The evening brings a welcome relief, with levels plunging to 1 by 16:00 and ultimately falling to 0 between 18:00 and 19:00. Stay protected during those peak hours! 🌞

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Piet Retief

Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant fluctuations, with extreme exposure conditions occurring predominantly from January to March, and again in September to November. The highest risk months for sun exposure are January, February, and November, where the UV Index consistently reaches 15, requiring only 10 minutes of exposure to cause skin burn. As the season transitions into April, while still deemed very high with a UV Index of 10, the burn time increases slightly to 15 minutes. During May and July, the UV Index drops into the high category (7-8), allowing for longer exposure times of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should be vigilant and take necessary precautions during the extreme months by wearing protective clothing, applying high-SPF sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours, to minimize skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Piet Retief, South Africa

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Piet Retief. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Piet Retief, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Piet Retief UV Index with Other South Africa Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Piet Retief compares to other major locations across South Africa. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Piet Retief's solar exposure compared to other cities in South Africa. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Piet Retief	15	15	13	10	7	5	6	8	11	13	14	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