Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kathu, South Africa is crucial for safeguarding your health under the intense sun. With the region's BSh climate, UV levels can soar, peaking in the midday hours, which makes awareness of these levels essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. On typical days, residents and visitors can expect maximum UV Index readings of 6 around noon, indicating a high risk for harm without adequate protection. Staying informed about the UV Index not only helps you enjoy the beautiful sunny days but also empowers you to take necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic interplay of sunlight, peaking at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a robust 6. Early risers will enjoy the gentle warmth with a UV Index of 0 at 7:00 AM, slowly climbing to 1 by 8:00 AM. As the morning progresses, it reaches 3 at 10:00 AM and then escalates to its highest at noon. Afternoon hours see a gradual decline, dipping back to 5 at 2:00 PM before gently dropping to 3 by 3:00 PM. As the sun sets, the index retreats below 1 from 5:00 PM onward, concluding with a soothing 0 at 6:00 PM and remaining steady until dusk. Make sure to stay protected during the peak hours, especially when the sun's rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 3 | 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 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.
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 |
| 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 |