Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Pofadder, South Africa is crucial for protecting your skin and preventing sunburn. With its BWh climate characterized by warm temperatures and ample sunshine, residents and visitors alike are at risk of overexposure to harmful UV rays, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at 7. By being aware of daily UV levels, you can take the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin health, ensuring that your time under the sun is both enjoyable and safe. Stay informed and protect yourself from the long-term effects of UV exposure!
As the sun rises at 07:00, the UV Index starts off at a safe 0, perfect for those early morning routines. By 08:00, it nudges up to 1, indicating minimal risk. However, by 09:00, the intensity picks up to 2, signaling a gentle reminder to apply sunscreen if you're heading outdoors. The UV levels reach their peak at 12:00 and 13:00, soaring to a robust 7, which calls for careful sun protection measures. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually declines—6 at 14:00, then tapering to 4 by 15:00. The sun begins its descent, dropping back to 2 by 16:00 and further dwindling to 1 at 17:00 before finally retreating to 0 by 18:00 and into the evening. It's a beautiful day, but remember, the sun's rays are strongest during midday!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 shows significant seasonal variation, with extremely high levels observed from January to March, where the Index reaches up to 16, indicating a burn time as short as 10 minutes. April marks a slight decrease to a very high category (UV Index 10, burn time 15 minutes), while May shifts to high (UV Index 7, burn time 25 minutes). From June to July, the Index drops to moderate (UV Index 5, burn time 30 minutes), but then spikes again in August with a very high rating (UV Index 8, burn time 15 minutes). As the year closes, September to November sees an alarming return to extreme levels, particularly in September and November (UV Index 11-14, burn time 10 minutes). For both visitors and residents, it is crucial to remain vigilant during these high-risk months, especially from January to March, as well as September to November, ensuring proper sun protection to mitigate the risk of UV exposure. Regularly applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade are strongly advised during these peak times.
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 |
| Pofadder | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 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 |