Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Koffiefontein, South Africa, where the sun’s intensity can significantly impact skin health. The UV Index helps gauge sun exposure, making it easier to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Koffiefontein's semi-arid climate (BSk), typical UV levels can elevate sharply during midday hours, peaking at 7 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Being aware of these daily fluctuations allows you to take proper precautions and protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful South African sun!
The UV Index data for the day reveals a notable peak around noon, reaching a maximum of 7, indicating a high level of sun exposure. The morning begins with a mild index, starting at 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it rises to 2, slowly climbing to 4 by 10:00. The intensity escalates significantly by 11:00 and hits its zenith at 12:00. After that, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 6 at 13:00 and 5 at 14:00, before falling to 3 by 15:00. As the evening approaches, the UV Index decreases rapidly, returning to 1 by 16:00 and reaching 0 by 18:00, signaling an end to the sun's harmful rays for the day. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
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 | 6 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from December to March, during which the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 15 to 16 and burn times are as short as 10 minutes. September and November also show elevated UV risks, with indices of 11 to 14. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, while seeking shade during peak hours. As UV exposure decreases in the late spring and summer months, it's still important to remain vigilant, particularly in April and August, where the UV Index can still reach very high levels.
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 |
Koffiefontein | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 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 |