Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Fraserburg, South Africa, where the BWk climate creates unique sun exposure challenges. With UV levels peaking between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, knowing when to protect yourself from harmful rays can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin health issues. By keeping an eye on the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes of Fraserburg while ensuring your skin stays safe from damage. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate, making awareness essential in this sun-drenched region.
The UV Index starts off low at 07:00 with a reading of 0, signifying a safe time to enjoy the outdoors without sun protection. As the day progresses, the index gradually rises, peaking at 11:00, 12:00, and 13:00 with a level of 4, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. From 10:00 to 14:00, it's wise to seek shade and wear sunscreen, especially during the peak intensity hours. The index begins to decline after 15:00, dropping back to 1 by 16:00 and returning to 0 by 19:00, signaling a return to safer conditions. Overall, this day's UV pattern highlights the importance of sun safety during 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
14:00 | 4 | 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 |
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 |