Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Kimberley, South Africa, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With its semi-arid climate, Kimberley experiences high UV levels, especially during midday hours, making awareness of UV exposure essential for residents and visitors alike. Understanding UV levels helps you take appropriate precautions, ensuring that you can safely enjoy the abundant sunshine while protecting your skin from harmful effects. During peak hours, UV Index values can reach as high as 5, reminding us of the importance of sun safety strategies for your well-being.
The UV Index for the day begins at a safe 0 at 07:00, making it the perfect time for morning activities. As the sun rises, the index gradually climbs to 1 by 08:00 and 2 by 09:00. The intensity peaks between 11:00 and 13:00, reaching a maximum value of 5—a key time for sun protection! Following this, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 4 at 14:00 and then tapering off to 3 by 15:00. As afternoon gives way to evening, the UV Index decreases steadily to 1 at 17:00 and finally back to 0 by 19:00. Remember to enjoy the sun responsibly during those peak 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from December to March, during which the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 15 to 16 and burn times are as short as 10 minutes. September and November also show elevated UV risks, with indices of 11 to 14. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, while seeking shade during peak hours. As UV exposure decreases in the late spring and summer months, it's still important to remain vigilant, particularly in April and August, where the UV Index can still reach very high levels.
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 |
Kimberley | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 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 |