Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Van Wyksvlei, South Africa is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Awareness of UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, particularly in an area where the BWh climate brings intense sunlight and varying UV exposure throughout the day. With peak UV levels reaching 5 around midday, it’s vital to take precautionary measures to enjoy the sunshine safely and sustain healthy skin. Stay informed and stay protected in the radiant desert skies of Van Wyksvlei!
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 |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal variation, with extreme levels occurring from January to March and again in October to December, indicating high-risk months where exposure should be minimized to prevent skin damage, with a notably short burn time of just 10 minutes. In April and September, UV levels surge to very high, requiring caution and limiting sun exposure to 15 minutes. The summer months, particularly May to July, see a decrease in UV intensity, reaching moderate levels in June and July, which allows for longer safe exposure times of up to 30 minutes. However, as UV levels rebound in August and remain high, visitors and residents should consistently apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours throughout the year, especially from January to March and October to December.
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 |
| Van Wyksvlei | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 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 |