Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Vredenburg, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the UV levels not only helps you protect yourself from harmful rays but also encourages safe outdoor activities. With a BSk climate, Vredenburg experiences moderate temperatures, but the sun can be quite intense, especially during peak hours between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, when the UV Index can reach 5. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, you can enjoy the beautiful South African sun while safeguarding your skin for years to come.
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 |
| Vredenburg | 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 |