Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Standerton, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps residents prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, particularly during the hotter hours of the day when the index peaks at 7 around noon. With Standerton's Cwb climate, characterized by sunny days and significant UV exposure, it's crucial to stay informed about daily UV fluctuations to safeguard against harmful effects while enjoying the outdoors.
The UV Index today began its ascent at 7:00 AM with a modest 1, slowly climbing to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rose higher, the index reached 3 at 9:00 AM, then jumped to 5 by 10:00 AM. The peak was recorded at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, both hitting a notable 7. By 1:00 PM, the UV Index slightly dipped to 6, followed by a gradual decline to 5 by 2:00 PM. This downward trend continued as it fell to 3 at 3:00 PM and further decreased to 1 by 4:00 PM. The day wrapped up with very low readings of 1 at 5:00 PM, and dropping to 0 by 6:00 PM, indicating a safe evening with minimal UV exposure. Make the most of the sun wisely! ☀️
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the winter and early spring months. January through March and from September to November consistently show extreme exposure levels with a dangerously high UV Index ranging from 13 to 16, necessitating a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, the summer months of May through July present a relatively lower but still high exposure risk (UV Index of 6 to 7), allowing slightly longer safe exposure times of 25 minutes. However, it is essential to remain vigilant, as August sees a jump to a very high category with a UV Index of 9, reducing burn time to 15 minutes. To ensure safety, residents and visitors are advised to take precautions—especially from January to March and September to November, when UV levels are at their most hazardous. Always wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen, and seek shade during peak hours to mitigate risks associated with intense sunlight.
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 |
| Standerton | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 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 |