Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the heart of Christiana, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps inform your sun protection strategies, significantly reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a BSk climate, Christiana experiences variable but potent sun exposure, particularly during midday hours when the UV Index peaks at levels 4 and 5. By keeping an eye on daily UV forecasts, you can enjoy the sunny days while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 7:00 AM, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 2, suggesting it's time to start thinking about sun protection. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, reaching a high of 5, at which point it's crucial to apply sunscreen and seek shade. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently declines to 4 by 2:00 PM and further down to 2 by 3:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, the risk decreases significantly to 1, before tapering off to 0 after 6:00 PM, signaling a safe window for evening activities. Be mindful of the sun’s strength during the midday 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the winter and early spring months. January and February each maintain an extreme UV Index of 15, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend continues into March, with a UV Index of 13, still categorized as extreme. The highest risk months for UV exposure are from September to December, where values hover between 14 and 16—all classified as extreme. Caution is advised for residents and visitors during these months: limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen to minimize the risk of skin damage. As spring approaches in April, UV levels drop slightly to 10, indicating a very high risk, while May sees a decrease to a high level of 7. By June, the UV Index lowers to 5 (moderate), before rising again in July with 6 (high) and August at 8 (very high). It remains crucial to stay vigilant about UV exposure year-round, particularly during these high-risk months.
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 |
| Christiana | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| 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 |