Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors of Piketberg, South Africa, where typical Csa climate conditions present unique challenges for sun exposure. With UV levels soaring to 4 during midday hours, being aware of these fluctuations can significantly contribute to sunburn prevention and overall skin health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself against harmful rays and enjoy the sunny days of Piketberg without compromising your well-being. As the sun rises, be prepared to adapt your sun protection strategies, especially during those peak hours when UV radiation risks are at their highest.
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 significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk occurring in the winter months of January (15), February (13), and October (12), where exposure is classified as extreme and the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. November mirrors February's risk level, also presenting an extreme rating. Conversely, April sees a decline to very high (8) with a burn time of 15 minutes, while May and June offer more moderate levels at 5 and 4, respectively, allowing up to 30 minutes of safe exposure. As summer transitions into autumn, August (6) returns to a high risk category, decreasing burn time to 25 minutes, but September surges back to very high (9) with a 15-minute burn warning. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to remain vigilant in the high-risk months (January, February, October, November) by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to minimize harmful effects from 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 |
| Piketberg | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 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 |