Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Calvinia, South Africa, understanding the UV Index is crucial for ensuring your skin's health and preventing sunburn. With its arid BWk climate, residents and visitors face heightened UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when levels peak at 6. By being aware of the UV Index throughout the day, you can better protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays and enjoy outdoor activities with confidence. Stay informed and stay safe as you navigate Calvinia's sunny days!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic interplay of sunlight, peaking at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a robust 6. Early risers will enjoy the gentle warmth with a UV Index of 0 at 7:00 AM, slowly climbing to 1 by 8:00 AM. As the morning progresses, it reaches 3 at 10:00 AM and then escalates to its highest at noon. Afternoon hours see a gradual decline, dipping back to 5 at 2:00 PM before gently dropping to 3 by 3:00 PM. As the sun sets, the index retreats below 1 from 5:00 PM onward, concluding with a soothing 0 at 6:00 PM and remaining steady until dusk. Make sure to stay protected during the peak hours, especially when the sun's rays are at their strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest levels occurring in the winter months of January, February, and March, where the UV index reaches extremes of 15, 14, and 12, respectively, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into the spring, April sees a decrease to a very high index of 9, with a burn time extended to 15 minutes. May brings a high index of 6 (25 minutes burn time) and June and July remain moderate with indices of 4 and 5 respectively. August ramps back up to a high of 7, followed by September with a very high index of 10. As the year closes, October and November return to extreme levels of 12 and 13, with December matching January at a UV index of 15. Given this data, visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during January, February, March, and October to December, as these months present the highest risk for UV exposure. It is advised to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen frequently during these high-risk months to mitigate the dangers 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 |
| Calvinia | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 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 |
| Soweto UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |