Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Bothaville, South Africa is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With its semi-arid climate (BSk), Bothaville experiences distinct UV exposure risks, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 7 around midday. Staying informed about UV levels helps residents and visitors take necessary precautions, ensuring enjoyable outdoor activities without the damaging effects of excessive sun exposure. Whether you're working in the fields or relaxing outdoors, being aware of the UV Index is key to safeguarding your skin and promoting overall wellness.
The UV Index for the day reveals a significant shift as the sun rises. Starting at a low 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the intensity gradually ramps up, peaking at 7 during 12:00 and 13:00—prime time to protect your skin! As the afternoon progresses, it dips to 5 by 14:00, then descends further to 3 at 15:00. The latter part of the day sees a decline in UV exposure, returning to 1 by 16:00 and eventually dropping to 0 by 18:00 and 19:00. Be mindful of the midday sun; it's wise to wear sunscreen and seek shade when the UV Index is at its highest!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
13:00 | 7 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring in the winter months, specifically January, February, and December, where it reaches an extreme level of 16. These months, along with March, September, October, and November—all falling under the extreme exposure category—have a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. The transitional months of April and August see a drop to very high levels (UV Index 10 and 8, respectively), while May and July maintain a high category (UV Index 7 and 6) with longer burn times of 25-30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high-risk months of January, February, March, September, October, and November by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of sunburn and 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 |
Bothaville | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 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 |