Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Frankfort, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and health. Understanding the UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term skin health. Given Frankfort's Cwb climate, which features sunny days and variable temperatures, residents and visitors should be mindful of their UV exposure—especially during peak hours when indices can soar to 7 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful South African sun responsibly and protect yourself from its harmful rays.
The UV Index for the day provides a clear picture of sun exposure. Starting off gently at 1 in the early hours, the intensity gradually builds, reaching a peak of 7 between 11:00 and 12:00. This is the ideal time for sun protection, as skin can burn quickly. As the afternoon progresses, the index declines, dropping to 3 by 15:00 and further down to 1 by late afternoon. After sunset, the UV Index falls to 0, indicating safe conditions. Stay sun smart, especially during the peak hours for maximum protection!
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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
12:00 | 7 | 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 seasonal changes, with January through April presenting extreme exposure levels of 15 to 11, where a mere 10 minutes of sun can lead to burns. The high-risk months are January, February, March, April, September, October, and November, all classified as extreme with burn times of just 10 minutes. As we transition to late spring and summer, UV levels decrease slightly in May and June to high and moderate respectively, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 25 to 30 minutes. However, a surge in August places the UV Index back to very high with a 15-minute burn time. For residents and visitors, it is crucial to prioritize sun safety by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, especially in the high-risk months.
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 |
Johannesburg UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
Frankfort | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
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 |