Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Prieska, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for reducing the long-term risks associated with skin damage, including skin cancer. With a BWh climate characterized by hot summers and clear skies, Prieska experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when levels can peak at 5. Staying informed about the UV Index allows residents and visitors to take proactive measures to protect themselves as they enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle the region offers.
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 |
During the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with high-risk months typically spanning from January through April, and again in October and November. In January and February, the UV Index peaks at a concerning 15, indicating an extreme exposure category and a very short burn time of only 10 minutes. By March and April, UV levels slightly decrease but remain in the extreme to very high categories, with burn times ranging from 10 to 15 minutes. The summer months of June and July experience a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing longer safe exposure of 30 minutes. However, as September approaches, the UV Index rises again to 10 in a very high category. To protect against harmful UV exposure, visitors and residents are advised to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the peak months.
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 |
| Prieska | 15 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 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 |