UV Index in Kimberley, South Africa

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kimberley, South Africa, where the hot semi-arid climate exposes individuals to potentially harmful UV radiation, particularly during the peak hours of noon. With UV levels reaching as high as 7 at midday, being aware of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun exposure and enjoy the beautiful sunny days in Kimberley with peace of mind. Remember, knowledge is your first line of defense against the sun’s rays!

Hourly UV Index in Kimberley

The UV Index data for the day reveals a notable peak around noon, reaching a maximum of 7, indicating a high level of sun exposure. The morning begins with a mild index, starting at 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it rises to 2, slowly climbing to 4 by 10:00. The intensity escalates significantly by 11:00 and hits its zenith at 12:00. After that, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 6 at 13:00 and 5 at 14:00, before falling to 3 by 15:00. As the evening approaches, the UV Index decreases rapidly, returning to 1 by 16:00 and reaching 0 by 18:00, signaling an end to the sun's harmful rays for the day. Remember to stay protected 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	1	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	2	low	45 min
10:00	4	moderate	30 min
11:00	6	high	25 min
12:00	7	high	25 min
13:00	6	high	25 min
14:00	5	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 Kimberley

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Kimberley, South Africa

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Kimberley 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.

Kimberley'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
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