Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hartswater, South Africa, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. Awareness of UV levels helps you take proactive measures to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With a semi-arid climate typical of the BSh zone, Hartswater experiences significant UV exposure, especially between 10 AM and 1 PM when the index peaks at 6. By staying informed about UV conditions, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
The UV Index over the day shows a dynamic range of exposure, starting off calm in the early hours. At 07:00 and 08:00, it remains at a gentle 1, perfect for a leisurely morning. As the sun climbs higher, the index rises steadily, reaching 2 by 09:00 and peaking at 6 around 12:00, indicating caution is necessary for outdoor activities. The intensity slightly dips from there, down to 5 by 13:00 and then to 4 at 14:00, before gradually decreasing to 1 by 16:00. Finally, the UV exposure diminishes to 0 by 18:00, signaling a safe end to the day. Stay mindful of those peak hours for a fun and safe experience in the sun!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the winter and early spring months. January and February each maintain an extreme UV Index of 15, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend continues into March, with a UV Index of 13, still categorized as extreme. The highest risk months for UV exposure are from September to December, where values hover between 14 and 16—all classified as extreme. Caution is advised for residents and visitors during these months: limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen to minimize the risk of skin damage. As spring approaches in April, UV levels drop slightly to 10, indicating a very high risk, while May sees a decrease to a high level of 7. By June, the UV Index lowers to 5 (moderate), before rising again in July with 6 (high) and August at 8 (very high). It remains crucial to stay vigilant about UV exposure year-round, particularly during these high-risk months.
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 |
| Hartswater | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 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 |