Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Caledon, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful radiation. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburns and maintain long-term skin health, particularly in a climate that experiences a mix of sunny and overcast days. With typical UV exposure peaking around midday—reaching a maximum of 4 by noon—residents and visitors should take proactive measures to stay safe during outdoor activities. Stay informed and make the most of Caledon’s beautiful weather while keeping your skin protected!
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 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with extremely high values in the winter months of January and December, reaching 14 and leading to a burn time of just 10 minutes. February and March also show extreme levels at 13 and 11, requiring similar caution. As the seasons transition into spring, the UV Index decreases, with April registering a high level of 7 and a longer burn time of 25 minutes. The summer months are characterized by a moderate UV Index, with values from 3 to 5 from June to August, leading to burn times of 30 minutes. However, as September arrives, the index rises sharply again to 9, indicating very high risk, which is followed by a return to extreme levels in October (11) and November (12). Visitors and residents are strongly advised to protect their skin during high-risk months—notably from January to March and October to December—by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Caledon | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 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 |