Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Laingsburg, South Africa, where the semi-arid climate can lead to significant sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching 4 around midday, awareness of these levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting overall skin health. As the region often experiences clear skies and intense sunlight, recognizing when UV radiation is at its strongest can help you take proactive measures. Stay informed to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing your risk of sun-related skin issues!
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 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 |