UV Index in Thaba Nchu, South Africa

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Thaba Nchu, South Africa, where the sun's rays can significantly impact skin health. The UV Index provides valuable insight into the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, helping you make informed decisions to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a climate zone classified as Cfa, Thaba Nchu experiences varying UV exposure levels throughout the day, peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where the UV Index can reach levels of 5. Awareness of these levels is key to enjoying the outdoors safely and protecting your skin from harmful effects.

Hourly UV Index in Thaba Nchu

Today's UV Index presents an interesting daytime pattern. Early risers at 07:00 will experience a low UV Index of 1, which remains steady until 09:00. As the day unfolds, the index climbs to 3 by 10:00, reaching a peak of 5 from 11:00 to 13:00 — a reminder to take sun safety precautions during midday hours. Post-lunchtime, the UV intensity gradually decreases, dropping to 4 at 14:00 and eventually down to 1 by 16:00. By the time the sun sets, the UV Index falls to 0 at 18:00, making for a safe evening outdoors. Remember, protecting your skin during the peak UV hours is essential for staying safe under the sun!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	5	moderate	30 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Thaba Nchu

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Thaba Nchu, South Africa

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Thaba Nchu. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Thaba Nchu, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Thaba Nchu UV Index with Other South Africa Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Thaba Nchu compares to other major locations across South Africa. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Thaba Nchu's solar exposure compared to other cities in South Africa. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Thaba Nchu	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