Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Viljoenskroon, South Africa, as it directly impacts skin health and sunburn prevention. With the area’s BSk climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters, UV exposure can vary significantly throughout the day. During peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, the UV Index can reach levels of 6, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed about these levels not only helps you enjoy the outdoors safely but also protects your skin from long-term damage. Make UV awareness part of your daily routine to keep yourself and your loved ones safe under the African sun!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a clear progression of sun intensity. Starting at a mellow 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index gradually climbs, reaching its peak of 6 by 12:00. For those looking to soak up the sun, the 11:00 to 12:00 window offers the most potent rays at a level of 5 and 6, respectively. As afternoon sets in, the index begins to wane, dropping to 4 at 14:00, then 3 at 15:00, and tapering off to 1 by 16:00. By 18:00 and 19:00, the UV exposure diminishes to 0, signaling a safe time to enjoy outdoor activities without sun protection. Plan your sun time wisely to stay safe and make the most of each hour!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 changes, with particularly high-risk months identified from January to April and September to November. During these months, the UV Index reaches extreme values from 16 to 13, resulting in a very rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As the year progresses into the summer months, UV levels decrease slightly, with May seeing a high category at 7 and June dipping to moderate at 5. However, August presents a spike back to a very high index of 8, making sun safety essential. For the best protection against harmful UV rays, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen during peak UV hours, particularly in the extreme months. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so ongoing vigilance throughout the year is advised.
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 |
| Johannesburg UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| Viljoenskroon | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 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 |