Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Viljoenskroon, South Africa, where the climate typically presents clear skies and abundant sunlight. Awareness of daily UV levels helps protect against sunburn and long-term skin health issues, as even moderate exposure can be harmful. With peak UV Index values reaching 7 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, it’s essential to be informed about when to seek shade or apply sunblock. Being proactive about UV protection not only enhances your outdoor activities but also contributes to overall skin safety in this sunny region. Enjoy the sun, but stay smart about UV exposure!
The UV Index for the day reveals a significant shift as the sun rises. Starting at a low 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the intensity gradually ramps up, peaking at 7 during 12:00 and 13:00—prime time to protect your skin! As the afternoon progresses, it dips to 5 by 14:00, then descends further to 3 at 15:00. The latter part of the day sees a decline in UV exposure, returning to 1 by 16:00 and eventually dropping to 0 by 18:00 and 19:00. Be mindful of the midday sun; it's wise to wear sunscreen and seek shade when the UV Index is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | 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 |