Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Beaufort West, South Africa, being informed about the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn and other skin-related issues but also promotes long-term skin health. With its semi-arid climate, Beaufort West experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, peaking in the midday hours when the index reaches levels as high as 6. As you plan your outdoor activities, stay aware of the UV Index to enjoy the sun safely and protect yourself from its potential hazards.
The UV Index for the day showcased a dramatic rise in intensity as the sun climbed higher, peaking between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a noteworthy 6. Starting the day at a negligible 0 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually increased to 2 by 9:00 AM, making mid-morning the perfect time for a sun-soaked outing. As the clock ticked towards noon, the UV index reached 5, reminding us to take precautions. By 2:00 PM, it slightly dipped to 4 but still required awareness. Afterward, the UV levels began to decline, falling back to 1 by late afternoon and eventually returning to 0 as night approached, indicating a safe time for outdoor activities without the risk of UV exposure. Stay sun-smart!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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, 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 |