Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Springbok, South Africa is vital for protecting your skin and overall health. With an arid climate characteristic of the BWk zone, Springbok experiences significant sun exposure, particularly during the midday hours when UV levels can peak at 5. Being aware of these UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and minimizing long-term skin damage. As you enjoy outdoor activities in this beautiful region, staying informed about the UV Index can empower you to take necessary precautions and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience under the sun.
As the sun rises to greet the day, the UV Index begins at a serene 0 at 07:00, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. By 08:00 and 09:00, it gently warms up to a light 1, suggesting that a little sun protection might be wise. The real shift occurs by 10:00, when the index climbs to 2, signaling a moderate level of UV radiation. The peak is reached at 12:00, with a robust 5, urging everyone to seek shade and wear sunscreen for safety. The afternoon maintains this intensity until 14:00, before tapering off to 3 at 15:00. As the day winds down, the UV levels gradually decrease to 1 by 18:00 and finally return to 0 at 19:00, marking the end of a UV-rich day. Stay smart in the sun!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | 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 |