Last updated: June 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is crucial for those living in Fraserburg, South Africa, where the high desert climate can lead to elevated sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining overall skin health. With UV Index values reaching up to 4 during midday, residents should be vigilant about sun safety, especially in the warmer months when the risk of harmful UV radiation increases. Stay informed, protect your skin, and enjoy the sun responsibly in this beautiful region.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a maximum of 0 at 07:00, indicating a low risk for sun exposure. By 08:00 and 09:00, it gradually climbs to 1, maintaining a safe level. The intensity peaks between 10:00 and 13:00, reaching 4—a reminder to protect your skin during these hours. By 14:00, the index dips slightly to 3, still suggesting caution, before it declines further in the late afternoon to 2 at 15:00 and remains at 1 through 16:00 and 17:00. The day winds down with the UV Index dropping back to 0 by 18:00, marking a safe end to sun exposure for the day. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to stay protected when the UV rays are strongest!
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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
14:00 | 3 | 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 |
Seasonal changes in UV exposure are significant, particularly during the first and last quarters of the year. High-risk months for UV exposure include January, February, March, September, October, November, and December, where the UV Index often reaches extreme levels (up to 16) and the burn time can be as short as 10 minutes. As the year progresses, April marks a transition to very high levels, followed by a drop to high and moderate levels in May, June, and July. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these higher-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen to minimize the risk of skin damage from harmful UV rays. Stay aware and protect yourself throughout the year, particularly from January to March and September to December when UV exposure is at its highest.
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 |
Fraserburg | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 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 |