Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Pofadder, South Africa, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and preventing sunburn. With its hot desert climate classified as BWh, Pofadder experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during the peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM when the index can reach levels of 5. Being aware of UV levels helps you take necessary precautions to maintain skin health and enjoy outdoor activities safely. From applying sunscreen to wearing protective clothing, knowing the UV Index empowers residents and visitors to make informed decisions that prioritize their well-being under the South African sun.
The UV Index data reveals a dynamic progression throughout the day. Starting at 0 at 7:00 AM, the intensity begins to rise slowly, reaching 1 by 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it escalates to 3, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. 11:00 AM sees the index peak at 4, and the sun reaches its zenith by noon with a UV Index of 5, marking a high risk level. The afternoon maintains this peak at 5 until 1:00 PM, before gradually declining to 4 at 2:00 PM and further down to 3 by 3:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV radiation drops sharply, returning to 1 at 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and finally back to 0 from 6:00 PM onward. Awareness of these fluctuations can guide outdoor plans, ensuring protection during the peak UV hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | 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 | 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 |
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 |