Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Paarl, South Africa, where the climate often invites sunshine and outdoor activities. By keeping an eye on UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and promote skin health, making it an essential part of your daily routine. In Paarl's temperate Csb climate, UV exposure can escalate quickly, particularly from late morning through early afternoon, peaking at a UV Index of 5 around midday. Stay informed and protect yourself against harmful effects of the sun while enjoying the beautiful outdoor lifestyle of this charming town.
The UV Index for today paints a story of a steadily rising sun, reaching its peak in the early afternoon. Starting at 0 at 7 AM, the index climbs cautiously to 1 by 8 AM and remains at this level until 10 AM. As the day progresses, the UV intensity spikes to 4 by 11 AM and reaches its maximum of 5 at both 12 PM and 1 PM, urging sunseekers to apply that sunscreen! The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with the UV Index dipping back to 4 at 2 PM, then 3 at 3 PM, falling further to 2 by 4 PM. As evening approaches, the UV levels drop to 1 by 5 PM, finally settling back to 0 as the sun sets. Stay sun-safe during those peak hours!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the winter months. January and February record an extreme UV Index of 14 and 13 respectively, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend continues into March with an index of 11. As spring arrives in April, the UV Index drops to 8 (very high), allowing for 15 minutes of exposure before burning occurs. From May to July, the UV Index levels decrease to 5 and 4 (moderate), extending burn times to 30 minutes. However, the UV exposure rises again in late summer, with August at 6 (high) and 25 minutes of burn time. As fall approaches, the UV levels rebound in September to 9 (very high) before shifting back to extreme levels in October (11) and November (12), both with a burn time of 10 minutes. December mirrors January, reaching UV levels of 14. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during high-risk months (January to March, October to November) by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to mitigate the risks associated with high 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 |
| Paarl | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 |
| 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 |