Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index in Springbok, South Africa is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the levels of ultraviolet radiation can be a game changer in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. In this vibrant town, where the climate is characterized as BWk (hot semi-arid), residents and visitors alike should be mindful of the typical UV exposure risks, especially during midday when the index peaks at a concerning 6 to 7. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sunny outdoors safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 7 between 1 PM and 2 PM, indicating a substantial risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The day starts off slowly, with a 0 at 7 AM, climbing to a mild 1 by 8 AM. By 11 AM, the index hits 5, urging cautious sunbathing. Anticipate the highest values around noon, when it reaches 6, perfect for seeking shade or applying sunscreen. The afternoon sees a slight decline, dropping to 4 at 3 PM, before settling back down to a meager 1 by 5 PM and fading to 0 once again as the sun sets at 7 PM. Stay vigilant throughout your day; from late morning to early afternoon, it’s all about protecting your skin!
| 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 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with January, February, March, September, October, November, and December identified as high-risk months due to their extreme UV Index ratings of 13 to 15 and minimal burn times of just 10 minutes. As the seasons shift, April sees a drop to a very high UV Index of 10, followed by May with a high index of 7 and longer burn times of 15 to 25 minutes. June and July introduce more moderate UV levels of 5, allowing for safer sun exposure of 30 minutes. In August, the UV Index rises again to 8, transitioning back toward the high-risk category. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, particularly during the extreme months to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Springbok | 15 | 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 |