Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Garies, South Africa, a region characterized by its arid BWk climate. Awareness of current UV levels is key to preventing sunburn and maintaining optimal skin health. As the day progresses, Garies experiences varying UV exposure, peaking at 6 around midday, which signifies a high risk of harm from the sun's rays. With the right knowledge, you can enjoy the beautiful South African sun while protecting yourself from its potential dangers. Stay informed, and keep your skin safe!
At dawn, the UV Index starts at 0 at 07:00, signaling a safe time to step outside. As the sun rises, it gradually increases, reaching a moderate level of 2 by 09:00. The intensity peaks between 12:00 and 13:00, registering a high of 6, indicating that sun protection is essential during these hours. By 14:00, the index begins to decline, dropping to 5 before settling into a more manageable 4 by 15:00. A gentle decrease continues through the late afternoon, with levels falling back to 1 at 17:00, and finally back to 0 by 18:00. This data suggests that the most intense sun exposure occurs during midday, urging sun safety for outdoor activities during these hours.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring during the winter months, particularly in January and December when the index peaks at 15. February and March also maintain extreme exposure levels, making these months particularly high-risk for sunburn, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring approaches, the index gradually decreases, hitting 9 in April and 6 in May, transitioning to a high exposure category. The summer months of June and July present a moderate risk, while August sees a rise back to high levels. In the fall, September to November returns to extreme levels, necessitating caution with a burn time of only 10 minutes again. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures, such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade especially during the high-risk months to mitigate the risks associated with intense UV exposure.
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 |
| Garies | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| 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 |