Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Theunissen, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index serves as a vital tool for understanding the sun's intensity, helping residents prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. With a climate classified as BSk, Theunissen experiences considerable sunlight, especially during midday hours when UV levels peak at 6 around noon. By staying informed about daily UV indices, you can enjoy the beautiful South African sun safely and protect your skin against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variations, peaking during the winter months and into early spring. From January to March, the index remains at 15, categorizing exposure as extreme with a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring approaches, April sees a slight decrease to 10, still marked as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. The summer months, particularly May and July, present high UV levels of 7 and 6, manageable with 25-30 minutes of exposure, while June dips to 5 (moderate). Moving into late summer, August rises again to 8 (very high) with a reduced burn time of 15 minutes. The danger resurfaces in September and October with 11 and 12 respectively, both extreme, requiring protective measures within 10 minutes. Finally, November and December escalate to 14 and 16 (extreme), emphasizing the need for caution during outdoor activities. Residents and visitors should take preventative precautions, especially in high-risk months from January to March, and again in September through December, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade when necessary.
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 |
| Theunissen | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 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 |