Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Victoria West, South Africa, as it directly impacts your skin health and helps in effective sunburn prevention. With the region's BWk climate, which presents dry conditions and elevated sun exposure, being aware of daily UV levels becomes vital in safeguarding your skin against harmful rays. During peak hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, the UV Index can rise to 6, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Arm yourself with knowledge and enjoy the sun safely!
The UV Index forecast showcases a dynamic day ahead, starting off gently in the early morning with values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises higher, we see a gradual increase, peaking at 6 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a need for sun protection during these hours. Particularly, the 11:00 and 12:00 slots mark significant levels, reaching 5 and 6 respectively, suggesting that outdoor activities should be planned with caution. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index dips to 5 at 14:00 and continues to fall, descending to 3 by 15:00. By evening, the UV Index returns to a safer level of 1 by 16:00, and drops to 0 from 18:00 onwards, indicating a soothing end to the day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with extreme levels observed from January to March and again in September to December. The highest risk months are January, February, and December, where the UV index peaks at 15 to 16, resulting in a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring approaches, the UV index gradually decreases in April and May, but then rises again in September, emphasizing the need for vigilant sun safety during these high-risk months. Visitors and residents should take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during late morning to early afternoon hours when UV radiation is strongest. It's essential to remain mindful of the UV index and adjust outdoor activities accordingly to minimize the risk of skin damage throughout the year.
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 |
| Victoria West | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 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 |