Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Beaufort West, South Africa, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage, especially in a region known for its arid climate and pronounced exposure to the sun. With UV readings peaking at 4 during midday hours, it's essential to take precautions, particularly in this BWk climate zone where the daylight intensity can swiftly rise. Knowing the UV Index empowers residents and visitors alike to enjoy the sun safely and responsibly.
The UV Index today starts low, with maximum values reaching 0 by 7:00 AM. As the sun rises, it gradually climbs to 1 at 8:00 AM and stays steady until 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the index jumps to 2, marking the onset of more direct sunlight. The UV exposure peaks at 4 from 12:00 PM to 14:00 PM, signaling a critical time for sun protection. Following this peak, it dips back to 2 at 15:00 PM before easing further to 1 by 16:00 PM. Finally, the day wraps up with 0 UV exposure by 19:00 PM, making the late afternoon a much safer time for outdoor activities. Don't forget to apply sunscreen during the midday hours!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index indicates significant fluctuations in sun exposure risk. The highest risk months are January, February, March, October, November, and December, all categorized as extreme, with a UV Index of 15 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. The transition to spring sees a slight decrease in risk in April (UV Index 9, very high exposure category) and May (UV Index 6, high exposure). As summer settles in, the UV Index drops to moderate levels in June and July (UV Index 4, burn time 30 minutes), before rising again in August and September with exposures categorized as high and very high. It is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during extreme months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours, to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Beaufort West | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 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 |