Last updated: July 2, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index in Postmasburg, South Africa, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the sun safely. Postmasburg's semi-arid climate (BSk) often exposes residents to heightened UV risks, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at 6. Being aware of these levels helps you make informed choices about sun protection, ensuring you safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful South African landscape.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a fascinating narrative of sun exposure and safety. Starting early, the morning hours see a maximum reading of 0 at 07:00, gradually climbing to 1 by 08:00. As the sun ascends higher, the index peaks at 6 by 12:00, signaling a time for heightened sunscreen application and protective gear. The intensity slightly wanes in the afternoon, dropping to 5 at 13:00 and tapering off to 4 at 14:00. By the late afternoon, you’ll notice the index diminishing further to 3 at 15:00 and continuing its decline to 1 at 17:00. Finally, as evening approaches, the index returns to 0, suggesting it's safe to enjoy outdoor activities without worry. Always be mindful of these fluctuations for a safe and enjoyable time in the sun!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during the early months of the year. From January to March, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, peaking at 16 in both February and December, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. April sees a slight decrease to 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. As we move into May through July, the UV Index drops to high, providing longer burn times of 25 to 30 minutes. However, August returns to very high at 8, before ramping back up to extreme levels from September to November. Given this data, visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of January, February, March, September, October, and November, where protective measures against sun exposure are crucial. It is advised to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and limit sun exposure, especially during midday hours when the UV rays are strongest.
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 |
| Postmasburg | 15 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 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 |