Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Makapanstad, South Africa, is crucial for protecting your skin and ensuring overall health. As residents and visitors bask under the sun, awareness of UV levels can aid in preventing sunburn and long-term skin issues. With a BSh climate that brings warm temperatures and varying UV exposure throughout the day, it's vital to be informed about peak UV times. Notably, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the index can rise to 6, indicating a significant risk for harm without proper precautions. Stay informed and shield your skin for a healthier, happier life in Makapanstad!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins to rise, peaking sharply around midday. From a gentle 1 at 7 AM, it escalates to a moderate 6 between 11 AM and 1 PM, signaling peak sun exposure. During these crucial hours, it's essential to protect your skin with sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity wanes, dropping to 4 at 2 PM and further declining to 3 by 3 PM. By 4 PM, it returns to a safe 1, and finally settles to 0 after sunset, making late afternoon and evening hours ideal for outdoor activities without the risk of UV damage. Stay informed and enjoy the sun responsibly!
| 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 | 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 Index levels show significant seasonal changes, with the highest values in winter and late fall months. January, February, and March are particularly high-risk months, each with an extreme UV Index of 16, 15, and 13 respectively, resulting in a quick 10-minute burn time. As spring approaches, April and May experience a decline to 10 and 8, but remain in the very high exposure category, with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. The summer months of June and July offer a slight reprieve with a UV Index of 6, classified as high exposure, allowing for a burn time of 25 minutes. However, as August rolls in, the UV Index increases again to 8. Fall brings the UV levels back into the extreme category in September and October, reaching 11 and 13, with 10-minute burn times, followed by November's 14. December ends the year on a high note with a return to an extreme level of 16. Residents and visitors should take precautions during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen generously, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak UV times.
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 |
| Makapanstad | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 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 |