Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Brandvlei, South Africa, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors avoid sunburn and reduces long-term skin damage, especially during the peak hours of sun exposure. Brandvlei's BWh climate offers plenty of sunshine, with UV levels often reaching a moderate 5 around midday, making it essential to take precautions during these times. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoor beauty of Brandvlei while safeguarding your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
The UV Index data reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, peaking at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a maximum value of 5, indicating a moderate risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. Morning hours, from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, showcase lower values, starting at 0 and gradually rising to 2 by 10:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index reaches 4 at 11:00 AM, prompting caution for those outdoors. However, by the late afternoon and evening, the UV Index significantly drops back down to 1 by 4:00 PM and returns to 0 after 6:00 PM, making late evening activities safer. Overall, sun-seekers should be aware of the midday peak and take protective measures accordingly!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 in this region demonstrates significant seasonal variation, with extreme levels observed from January to March and again from September to November. The high-risk months are January, February, March, September, October, November, and December, where the UV Index reaches 12-15 and the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. It is crucial for visitors and residents during these months to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing to minimize the risk of skin damage. As the year progresses into April and May, UV levels begin to moderate, signaling a slight decrease in risk but still warranting sun protection, especially during midday hours. As summer approaches, UV levels drop to a moderate range in June and July, before climbing back to high in August. Thus, consistent vigilance against UV exposure remains essential throughout the entire year.
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 |
| Brandvlei | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 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 |
| Soweto UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |