Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Rondebosch, South Africa, where the sun's rays can lead to significant health risks if not properly managed. With its typical Csb climate, Rondebosch experiences varied UV levels throughout the day, peaking at 3 between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Being aware of these levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. As the UV Index fluctuates, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in protecting yourself from harmful exposure. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a gradual increase in sun intensity, peaking mid-afternoon. Starting at 0 at 07:00, the index rises to 1 by 08:00 and remains moderate at 1 for the following hour. As the sun ascends, the intensity reaches 2 by 10:00, climbing further to 3 at 11:00, sustaining this level until 14:00. After this peak, a gentle decline begins, with the index dropping to 2 at 15:00, and gradually easing back to 1 by 17:00, before retreating to 0 by 18:00. For anyone spending time outdoors, the late morning to early afternoon presents the highest UV exposure; thus, caution and sun protection are highly advisable during these 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | 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 variation, with the highest readings occurring during the winter months and early spring. January and February remain critical months, both with an extreme UV Index of 14 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following closely, March also has an extreme rating of 11, emphasizing the need for protective measures. As we transition into April, the UV Index drops slightly to 8 (very high), but still requires caution, with a burn time of 15 minutes. The risk decreases during the summer months, with May to July showing moderate levels of 5 to 4, allowing for longer exposure times before burning. However, a resurgence in risk occurs in August with a high rating of 6, and September reverts to very high at 9. As the year closes, October and November return to extreme levels of 11 and 12, respectively, necessitating vigilance. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to use appropriate sun protection—such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses—especially during the high-risk months of January, February, and October through December.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rondebosch | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 |
| Cape Town UVI | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 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 |