Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Senekal, South Africa, is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With the sun’s intensity varying throughout the day, keeping track of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. This is especially important in Senekal, where the climate, characterized by its mild temperatures and moderate rainfall, presents unique UV exposure risks. During peak hours, particularly from 10 AM to 2 PM, UV levels can soar, reaching a maximum of 6, highlighting the need for sun safety measures. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin.
The UV Index today showcased a notable increase from the early morning hours, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rose higher in the sky, the index climbed steadily, reaching a significant 6 by 12:00, indicating a peak in UV radiation and the need for sun protection. The afternoon saw a slight decline, with values dropping to 4 at 14:00 and falling further to 2 by 15:00. As the day wound down, the UV index returned to a safer range, ending the day at 0 by 19:00. It’s crucial to stay informed and safeguard your skin during those high UV 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 | 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 |
Senekal | 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 |