Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Trompsburg, South Africa, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, particularly in the region's semi-arid climate. With UV levels often peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, understanding these fluctuations allows residents and visitors to take necessary precautions when basking in the sun. Not only does the UV Index provide insight into the intensity of solar radiation, but it also serves as a vital tool in helping you protect your skin from harmful effects, ensuring you can enjoy outdoor activities safely. As the UV levels in Trompsburg range from low to moderate during most hours of the day, being informed empowers you to enjoy the warm, sunny climate while minimizing health risks.
At dawn, the UV Index begins at a gentle 0 by 07:00, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the sun rises higher, the index steadily climbs, reaching 1 at 08:00 and peaking at 5 between 12:00 and 13:00, when the sun’s rays are at their most intense. During these peak hours, it’s wise to don your sunscreen and protective gear. Following this zenith, the index gracefully descends, dropping to 4 at 14:00 and tapering off to 2 by 15:00. As the afternoon fades to evening, the UV levels reduce significantly, returning to a safe 0 by 18:00. This hourly UV pattern underscores the importance of sun safety during peak daylight hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences notable seasonal variation, with January through March and September to November classified as high-risk months due to extreme exposure levels, where the burn time is as low as 10 minutes. April marks a transition to very high UV levels, while May and June provide moderate exposure risks, with burn times extending to 25 and 30 minutes, respectively. August sees a rise back to very high levels, and the cycle recommences with extreme levels in October and December. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during high-risk months, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues. Always be mindful of the UV Index and adjust outdoor activities accordingly.
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 |
| Trompsburg | 16 | 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 |