Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Maile, South Africa, as it directly influences sun safety and skin health. With an average maximum UV Index peaking at 6 around midday, awareness of these levels helps in effectively preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Maile's BSh climate ensures ample sunshine, making it essential to recognize when UV exposure is at its highest. By being informed, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin.
Throughout the day, the UV Index escalates to its peak between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, reaching a high of 6—a clear indicator to stay protected from the sun's rays. Early morning hours see a gentle start, with a maximum 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, gradually rising to 2 by 9:00 AM. As the sun climbs, so does the intensity, spiking to 5 at 11:00 AM and maintaining a steady 6 for the peak hours. Following this brief burst of intensity, the UV Index dwindles swiftly, dropping to 4 by 2:00 PM, then further decreasing to 3 at 3:00 PM, and tapering off to 1 by 4:00 PM. Finally, as daylight fades, the index plummets to 0 by 6:00 PM, marking the end of a vibrant, sunlit day. Remember to stay safe and protect your skin, especially during 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with extreme UV Index levels observed from January to March and again in September to November. Notably, January and December each reach a peak UV Index of 16, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The transition months of April and August present very high exposure conditions, while May to July see a shift to high categories, allowing slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes. As the sun’s intensity increases, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures, especially during the high-risk months of January, February, March, September, October, and November. Umbrellas, sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours are highly recommended to ensure safety against the harmful effects of UV radiation.
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 |
| Pretoria UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Maile | 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 |