Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Stanford, South Africa, where the Mediterranean climate brings long, sunny days. With midday UV levels peaking at 5, awareness of these values is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. By grasping the significance of UV exposure, locals can enjoy outdoor activities safely, minimizing the risk of skin damage while basking in Stanford's picturesque surroundings. Remember, even on seemingly mild days, UV rays can be deceptively strong, making vigilance key to a healthy lifestyle in this charming coastal 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 exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with extremely high values in the winter months of January and December, reaching 14 and leading to a burn time of just 10 minutes. February and March also show extreme levels at 13 and 11, requiring similar caution. As the seasons transition into spring, the UV Index decreases, with April registering a high level of 7 and a longer burn time of 25 minutes. The summer months are characterized by a moderate UV Index, with values from 3 to 5 from June to August, leading to burn times of 30 minutes. However, as September arrives, the index rises sharply again to 9, indicating very high risk, which is followed by a return to extreme levels in October (11) and November (12). Visitors and residents are strongly advised to protect their skin during high-risk months—notably from January to March and October to December—by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Stanford | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 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 |