Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Winburg, South Africa, where the sun’s rays can be particularly strong. Awareness of UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburn but also plays a key role in maintaining long-term skin health. With a Cwa climate, Winburg experiences significant fluctuations in UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at a UV Index of 7 around noon. By staying informed about these UV levels, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off low, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises higher, it reaches 3 by 09:00, before climbing to a peak of 7 at 12:00. This midday intensity signifies a need for sun protection, especially during the height of the day when UV exposure is most potent. The index begins to decline in the afternoon, dropping to 5 at 14:00 and settling back to 1 by 17:00. By 18:00 and into the evening, the UV Index sharply drops to 0, marking a safe time to enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of sunburn. Stay sun-safe!
| 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 | 6 | 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 |
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 |
| Winburg | 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 |