Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Marquard, South Africa, is crucial for ensuring your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region’s Cwa climate, which experiences warmer summers and cool, dry winters, residents and visitors need to be aware of varying UV levels throughout the day. For instance, the UV Index peaks at 6 between noon and 1 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being informed about UV levels can help you take necessary precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, and enjoying the beautiful outdoors safely.
The UV Index for the day illustrates a dynamic shift in sun intensity as the hours progress. Starting off at a low 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index gradually climbs to a moderate 3 by 10:00. It reaches its peak at 6 by noon, signaling a prime time for sun safety awareness. The intensity then starts to decline, dipping to 5 at 13:00 before tapering off to 4 at 14:00. As the afternoon rolls on, protection against UV rays becomes less critical, with the index dropping to 2 by 15:00 and falling to 1 by 16:00. Finally, as the sun sets, the UV Index retreats to 0 by 18:00, ensuring that evening activities can be enjoyed without sun exposure concerns.
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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with extreme levels persisting from January through April and then again in September, October, and November. The high-risk months are notable in the winter and fall, where UV indices peak at 16 in January and December, indicating a 10-minute burn time. As the seasons transition to late spring and early summer, UV exposure shifts to high and moderate categories, where May and July feature UV indices of 7 and 6 respectively, allowing for extended burn times of 25 to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to prioritize sun protection—such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing—especially during the extreme months and to remain vigilant even in the high-risk summer months to minimize the risk of 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 |
Marquard | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 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 |