Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Ladismith, South Africa, where the arid BWk climate can lead to significant sun exposure. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting overall skin health, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely. With a typical peak UV Index reaching 4 around midday, it's essential to take precautions, especially during the hotter months, to minimize risks associated with heightened UV exposure. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about your outdoor activities and protect your skin from potential harm.
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 varies significantly throughout the year, with the highest levels typically occurring in the winter and early spring months. January and February feature extreme UV levels of 14 and 13, respectively, requiring only 10 minutes of sun exposure to cause skin burns. March also remains critical with an index of 11. The UV Index starts to drop in April to 8 (very high), allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. It further decreases during the summer months, reaching a moderate level of 5 in May and 4 from June to July, with burn times extending to 30 minutes. August sees a rise to 6 (high), with a burn time of 25 minutes, before climbing again in September to 9 (very high). Notably, October and November return to extreme levels of 11 and 13, with short burn times of 10 minutes. Finally, December peaks with an index of 15, indicating extreme exposure risk once again. Visitors and residents should take precautions, especially during high-risk months—particularly January, February, October, and December—by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize 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 |
| Ladismith | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 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 |