Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Noupoort, South Africa, where the semi-arid climate can lead to significant daily ultraviolet exposure. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially during peak sun hours when the index reaches levels of 4 to 5. With the sun blazing at its most intense between 10 AM and 2 PM, understanding these UV risks is essential for enjoying the great outdoors while keeping your skin safe from harm. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to enjoy all that Noupoort has to offer!
At dawn, the UV Index begins at a gentle 0 by 07:00, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the sun rises higher, the index steadily climbs, reaching 1 at 08:00 and peaking at 5 between 12:00 and 13:00, when the sun’s rays are at their most intense. During these peak hours, it’s wise to don your sunscreen and protective gear. Following this zenith, the index gracefully descends, dropping to 4 at 14:00 and tapering off to 2 by 15:00. As the afternoon fades to evening, the UV levels reduce significantly, returning to a safe 0 by 18:00. This hourly UV pattern underscores the importance of sun safety during peak daylight 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
During the year, UV Index values exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest risks occurring in the winter months. From January to March, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, peaking at 16, which indicates an exceptionally high potential for skin damage with a burn time of merely 10 minutes. As spring approaches in April, the UV exposure shifts to a very high level, with a slight increase in burn time to 15 minutes. The summer months present lower UV Index values, with June and July recording moderate levels, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes, before rising again in August. Moving into fall, September sees a return to very high exposure, but burn times remain manageable at 15 minutes. The trend resets in late fall and winter, with October and November returning to extreme UV levels similar to early months, again necessitating caution. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures year-round, especially during high-risk months, by wearing appropriate sunscreen, clothing, and considering shade to reduce UV exposure during peak hours, particularly when the ultraviolet levels are highest.
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 |
| Noupoort | 16 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 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 |