Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ashton, South Africa, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the daily UV levels allows residents and visitors to take informed precautions against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With the region's semi-arid climate and higher sun exposure, particularly during midday hours when the UV Index peaks at 5, it's essential to stay protected. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking up the sun, knowing the UV Index empowers you to safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful South African sunshine.
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the day, starting from 0 at 07:00, indicating minimal risk. As the sun climbs higher, it peaks at 5 between 12:00 and 13:00, signaling a moderate risk for sun exposure; this is the perfect time to slather on that sunscreen! The index then gradually descends, dipping to 3 at 15:00, and further down to 1 by 17:00. As daylight fades, the UV Index drops back to 0 by 18:00, marking a safe end to sun-related concerns for the day. Stay sun-smart and plan your outdoor activities accordingly!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | 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 |