Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Frankfort, South Africa, where the unique climate offers an array of outdoor activities but also comes with certain sun exposure risks. Recognizing the importance of UV levels aids in the prevention of sunburn and the preservation of skin health, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely. Given Frankfort's Cwb climate, which features distinct wet and dry seasons, UV levels can fluctuate dramatically throughout the day. Notably, during peak hours, the index can reach as high as 6, necessitating awareness and protective measures to mitigate the harmful effects of sun exposure. Stay informed and protect your skin while reveling in the sunny beauty of Frankfort!
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low, peaking only at 1 until 9:00 AM. A gradual increase sees it reach 6 by noon, indicating peak sun intensity. The high point of 6 persists until 1:00 PM, making this the ideal time to take precautions if you're outdoors. After this, the index begins to decline, dropping to 4 by 2:00 PM and falling further to 1 by 4:00 PM. By the evening, the UV levels settle at 0, ensuring a safe outdoor experience. Remember, during the midday hours, it’s crucial to stay protected under the sun!
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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
15:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |