UV Index in Colesberg, South Africa

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Colesberg, South Africa, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With high UV levels typically peaking around midday, understanding these levels can help prevent painful sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. Colesberg's semi-arid climate often exposes residents and visitors to intense sunlight, especially during the warmer months. By regularly checking the UV Index, you can enjoy the great outdoors while taking the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays.

Hourly UV Index in Colesberg

At dawn, the UV Index begins at a gentle 0 by 07:00, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the sun rises higher, the index steadily climbs, reaching 1 at 08:00 and peaking at 5 between 12:00 and 13:00, when the sun’s rays are at their most intense. During these peak hours, it’s wise to don your sunscreen and protective gear. Following this zenith, the index gracefully descends, dropping to 4 at 14:00 and tapering off to 2 by 15:00. As the afternoon fades to evening, the UV levels reduce significantly, returning to a safe 0 by 18:00. This hourly UV pattern underscores the importance of sun safety during peak daylight hours!

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	0	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	2	low	45 min
10:00	3	moderate	30 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

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