Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Carnarvon, South Africa, where the BWk climate can lead to varying levels of sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at 5 around midday, awareness of these levels is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. The sun's intensity can be deceptive in this region, and knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can significantly reduce the risk of harmful effects from overexposure. As you enjoy the sunny, dry days in Carnarvon, stay informed about the UV Index to make safer choices for your skin!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a notable pattern, starting from a maximum of 0 at 07:00, indicating minimal risk. As the morning progresses, 08:00 and 09:00 see a gentle rise to 1, suggesting low exposure. By 10:00, the index ramps up to 3, reflecting moderate sun intensity. The peak arrives at noon, with a UV Index of 5, signifying a higher risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Throughout the afternoon, it fluctuates slightly, dropping to 4 by 13:00, and remaining steady until 14:00. The sun's intensity recedes in the late afternoon, falling to 2 at 15:00 and gradually back down to 1 by 17:00. As evening sets in, the UV Index drops to 0 by 18:00, prompting a safe end to sun exposure. Overall, this data underscores the importance of sun safety measures during the peak midday hours.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | 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, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from January to March, where the UV Index consistently reaches 15 (extreme) and has a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following this, April presents a slight decrease to a UV Index of 9 (very high), with a burn time of 15 minutes, while May sees it drop to 6 (high) with a longer burn time of 25 minutes. As summer arrives, June and July maintain a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for safer outdoor activity with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, August brings a return to high risk at 7, followed by a significant rise again in September (very high at 10) and a jump to extreme levels in October and November (14-16), where burn times shorten back to 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during high risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and minimizing direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours, to safeguard their skin health.
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 |
| Carnarvon | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| 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 |