Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Laingsburg, South Africa, where the dry BSk climate can lead to heightened sun exposure risks. With UV levels peaking at 6 around midday, awareness of these metrics is crucial for sunburn prevention and the overall health of your skin. Familiarizing yourself with daily UV fluctuations can empower you to take necessary precautions, ensuring that your outdoor activities remain enjoyable while safeguarding against potential skin damage. As the sun shines brightly over Laingsburg, being informed about UV Index levels can help you protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a fascinating narrative of sun exposure and safety. Starting early, the morning hours see a maximum reading of 0 at 07:00, gradually climbing to 1 by 08:00. As the sun ascends higher, the index peaks at 6 by 12:00, signaling a time for heightened sunscreen application and protective gear. The intensity slightly wanes in the afternoon, dropping to 5 at 13:00 and tapering off to 4 at 14:00. By the late afternoon, you’ll notice the index diminishing further to 3 at 15:00 and continuing its decline to 1 at 17:00. Finally, as evening approaches, the index returns to 0, suggesting it's safe to enjoy outdoor activities without worry. Always be mindful of these fluctuations for a safe and enjoyable time in 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal changes in UV exposure highlight significant variations, particularly with high-risk months occurring from January through March and again in October through December, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 15 and 14, necessitating minimal exposure times of only 10 minutes. As spring approaches in April, the UV Index decreases to an extreme category of 8, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes, before dropping to a high risk of 6 in May and August with burn times of 25 minutes. In contrast, June and July offer moderate UV conditions with an Index of 4, permitting safe exposure for up to 30 minutes. As September arrives, UV levels rise again to a very high category of 10, reminding residents and visitors to be vigilant once more. It is crucial for everyone to take proper precautions year-round, especially during the high-risk periods, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to avoid harmful 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 |
| Laingsburg | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 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 |