Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Bredasdorp, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the long-term risks associated with skin damage. With a BSk climate that features sunny days, it’s essential to recognize the daily variations in UV exposure. For instance, at noon, the UV Index can peak at 4, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Bredasdorp while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
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 | 1 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | 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 |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring in the winter months of January, February, and December, where an extreme exposure category means a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following closely, March and November also present extreme UV conditions, while April features a shift to very high levels, increasing exposure risk with a burn time of 15 minutes. As the weather warms, UV levels decrease in May, June, July, and August, falling to a moderate category with longer burn times of 30 minutes. However, a resurgence is noted in September and October, where the index climbs back to very high and extreme ratings, respectively. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these high-risk months (January through April, September, October, and November) and take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing when outdoors to minimize UV exposure.
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 |
| Bredasdorp | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 |
| 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 |