Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Lindley, South Africa, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index provides essential insight into the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, helping residents and visitors alike to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Lindley’s Cwb climate, characterized by moderate temperatures and high UV exposure, it’s vital to be aware of daily UV levels, especially during peak hours when the index can reach a high of 7 around noon. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful weather while safeguarding your skin from the risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
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 |
Throughout the year, seasonal variations in UV Index levels highlight significant high-risk months for sun exposure. From January to April, the UV Index remains at extreme levels (16-13), with a burn time of just 10 minutes—making these the most critical months for sun safety. As the year progresses, May sees a drop to a high category (UV Index 7) with a burn time of 25 minutes, while June offers a moderate level (UV Index 5) allowing for 30 minutes of somewhat safer exposure. However, the UV risk escalates again in July (high, UV Index 6) and August (very high, UV Index 8), where burn times shrink to 25 and 15 minutes, respectively. The fall months, notably September and October, return to extreme indices, coupled with a burn time of 10 minutes. November also presents considerable risk with a UV Index of 14. Finally, December returns to extreme levels. Therefore, visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during periods of high or extreme UV exposure, particularly from January to April and again during September through November, using sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting direct sun exposure during peak hours.
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 |
| Lindley | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 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 |