Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Postmasburg, South Africa, where the climate can bring intense sunlight and exposure risks. Knowing the UV levels helps you take preventive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring you enjoy the outdoors safely. In Postmasburg's semi-arid climate, UV levels can peak around midday, reaching values of 5 that indicate a higher risk of harm to unprotected skin. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can protect your skin's health while making the most of sunny days!
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 |
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 |