UV Index in Colesberg, South Africa

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Colesberg, South Africa, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With UV levels peaking at 6 around midday, the risk of sunburn increases significantly, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV exposure. Colesberg, located in a BSk climate zone, enjoys a high number of sunny days, further amplifying the need for vigilance when it comes to sun protection. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can make informed decisions, ensuring a fun and safe time under the sun while minimizing risks to skin health.

Hourly UV Index in Colesberg

The UV Index for the day shows a notable increase in solar intensity as the morning unfolds. Starting at a mild 1 between 07:00 and 09:00, the index rises sharply, peaking at 6 from 11:00 to 13:00. This is a clear indication that midday sun demands caution, with later hours dropping to 5 at 14:00 and gradually decreasing toward evening. By 18:00 and 19:00, the UV Index dips to 0, signaling a safe time to be outdoors without sun protection. Overall, this day encourages sun safety practices during those peak hours when the UV rays are most potent.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	5	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Colesberg

The UV Index reveals significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest risk occurring during the winter months. From January to March, an extreme classification is noted, maintaining a UV Index of 15 and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. This extreme exposure continues into October and November, where the UV levels are still perilously high at 14-16. As we transition into the spring and summer, UV levels moderate, peaking at 9 in April and dropping to 5-7 in the summer months of June to August. Given these variations, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during high-risk months (January, February, October, and November); applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible are essential to minimize the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Colesberg, South Africa

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Colesberg. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Colesberg, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Colesberg UV Index with Other South Africa Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Colesberg compares to other major locations across South Africa. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Colesberg's solar exposure compared to other cities in South Africa. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Colesberg	15	15	13	9	6	5	5	7	10	12	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