UV Index in Kathu, South Africa

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Kathu, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. Understanding the UV levels not only aids in preventing painful sunburn but also plays a significant role in long-term skin health. With a BSh climate, Kathu experiences intense sunlight, particularly during midday hours when UV levels peak at a dangerous 5. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can take essential precautions to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing their risk of skin damage.

Hourly UV Index in Kathu

The UV index makes a gradual ascent throughout the morning, starting at a low of 0 at 07:00 and peaking at a moderate 5 from 12:00 to 13:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, UV exposure is at its highest, making it essential to protect your skin during these hours. After 13:00, the index begins its descent, dropping back to a relatively low value of 3 by 15:00 and further down to 1 towards the evening. As the sun sets at 18:00, the UV index returns to 0, signaling a safe end to sun exposure for the day. Enjoy the sun, but remember to stay sun-smart during those peak 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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Kathu

The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during the early months of the year. From January to March, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, peaking at 16 in both February and December, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. April sees a slight decrease to 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. As we move into May through July, the UV Index drops to high, providing longer burn times of 25 to 30 minutes. However, August returns to very high at 8, before ramping back up to extreme levels from September to November. Given this data, visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of January, February, March, September, October, and November, where protective measures against sun exposure are crucial. It is advised to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and limit sun exposure, especially during midday hours when the UV rays are strongest.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Kathu, South Africa

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Kathu. 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 Kathu, 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 Kathu UV Index with Other South Africa Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Kathu 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.

Kathu'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
Kathu	15	16	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