Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Ashton, South Africa, as it directly impacts skin health and can guide sunburn prevention strategies. Ashton, situated in a semi-arid climate (BSk), experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at 4 between noon and 1 PM. Awareness of these levels is essential, especially during the sunniest hours, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the outdoors safely and protect their skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to make the most of Ashton’s beautiful, sun-soaked days!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun intensity. In the morning, it starts off low, peaking at 1 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, we see a steady increase with the index reaching 3 by 11:00. The highest point occurs from 12:00 to 13:00, where the UV Index hits a robust 4, indicating a need for sun protection during those hours. Following this peak, the index gradually declines, returning to 2 at 15:00, and then dropping back down to 0 by 18:00, marking the end of significant UV exposure for the day. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly to stay safe under the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | 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 displays significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the winter months with values reaching 15 in January and December, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. February and March also maintain extreme levels at 14 and 11, respectively. As we move into April, the index decreases to 8 (very high), and by May and June, it falls to 5 and 4, categorized as moderate, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes. The risk rises again towards the end of summer with August exhibiting a 6 (high) rating and a 25-minute burn time, before climbing to very high again in September at 9. The UV Index remains elevated in the fall, with 12 in October and 13 in November, both in the extreme category. To protect against harmful effects of UV exposure, visitors and residents should exercise caution, especially from January through March and during October and November when the UV Index is at its highest, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| Ashton | 15 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| 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 |
| 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 |