Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Schweizer-Reneke, South Africa, staying informed about the UV Index is vital for safeguarding your skin health under the sun's radiant rays. Understanding UV levels is essential not just to prevent painful sunburns, but also to reduce the long-term risks of skin damage and skin cancer. With its BSk climate, Schweizer-Reneke experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours, where the index can soar to 7 between noon and 1 PM. By being aware of the UV Index, residents can take proactive steps to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing their risk of harmful effects from the sun.
The UV Index exhibits a dynamic pattern throughout the day, peaking sharply around midday. Starting off mild at 07:00 and 08:00 with a UV Index of 1, exposure remains minimal. However, as the sun climbs, the intensity increases significantly by 09:00, reaching 3, and continues to rise to a notable peak of 7 at 12:00 and 13:00. This indicates a need for sun protection during these hours. By 14:00, the UV Index begins to decline, falling to 5, and subsequently drops further, settling at 1 by 17:00 and finally reaching 0 by 18:00. In summary, the day's UV exposure highlights the importance of vigilance against UV radiation, particularly between 10:00 and 14:00 when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Seasonal UV changes indicate that the highest risk months occur from January to April, consistently presenting an extreme UV Index of 16 to 13 and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. This high exposure continues through September and November, dropping slightly in May and June. May offers a more moderate risk with a high UV Index of 7 and a burn time of 25 minutes, followed by July, which returns to a high level, but with a burn time of 25 minutes. During August, while still high at 8, the burn time decreases to 15 minutes. As winter approaches again, October to December sees another spike in danger. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these high-risk months by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Schweizer-Reneke | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 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 |