Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Clanwilliam, South Africa, is crucial for anyone looking to protect their skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. A high UV Index can lead to sunburn and long-term skin health issues, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV levels. Given Clanwilliam's semi-arid climate, residents and visitors face varying exposure risks, particularly during midday when UV levels peak at 4. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely and maintain healthy skin.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a gentle morning rise, starting at 0 at 07:00, then climbing to 1 by 08:00 and staying steady until it reaches 2 at 10:00. Midday brings the peak intensity, with the index soaring to 4 from 12:00 to 14:00, indicating a significant need for sun protection. As the afternoon wears on, the UV levels gradually decline, tapering back down to 1 by 16:00, before dropping to 0 after 18:00. This daily pattern highlights the importance of being mindful of UV exposure, especially between noon and early afternoon when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
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 | 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, UV exposure varies significantly, with January, February, October, November, and December experiencing extreme conditions, characterized by a high UV Index of 15 or 14 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. March follows closely with a UV Index of 12. The high-risk months for UV exposure are thus primarily found in the first quarter of the year and again in late fall. In contrast, April marks a transition to very high exposure (UV Index 9), while May and August shift to a high risk classification. Summer months, particularly June and July, moderate to a 4 on the UV scale, requiring less caution (30 minutes burn time). Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during peak months — especially from January to March and from October to December — by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure to avoid harmful effects.
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 |
Clanwilliam | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 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 |