Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of George, South Africa, where the climate features hot summers and mild winters. With the potential for high UV exposure during the day, being aware of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. Throughout the day, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index can reach moderate levels, highlighting the importance of sun protection measures. In George, where the sun shines brightly, being informed about UV risks can help you enjoy outdoor activities safely while safeguarding your skin from damage.
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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
The UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes, with January through March presenting the highest risk, displaying extreme values of 14 to 11 and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. Following this, April sees a slight decrease to 8 (very high), with a burn time of 15 minutes, while May and June lower the index to 5 and 4 respectively, indicating moderate risk and allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. As summer concludes, August raises the index to 6 (high), followed by a resurgence in risk with September at 9 (very high) and October back to 11 (extreme), both having a burn time of 10 to 15 minutes. In November and December, the trend continues towards extreme UV levels, peaking at 15 in December. Visitors and residents should take precautions during high-risk months—especially from January to March and again in October and November—by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak 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 |
| George | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 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 |