Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Vredendal, South Africa, where the unique BSh climate contributes to varying UV exposure throughout the day. With peak levels reaching 4 from late morning to mid-afternoon, being aware of these fluctuations is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. As you enjoy the warm sun, knowing when UV levels are higher can help you make informed decisions, ensuring your outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable. Keep your skin safe in Vredendal by staying informed about the UV Index!
The UV Index today starts low, with maximum values reaching 0 by 7:00 AM. As the sun rises, it gradually climbs to 1 at 8:00 AM and stays steady until 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the index jumps to 2, marking the onset of more direct sunlight. The UV exposure peaks at 4 from 12:00 PM to 14:00 PM, signaling a critical time for sun protection. Following this peak, it dips back to 2 at 15:00 PM before easing further to 1 by 16:00 PM. Finally, the day wraps up with 0 UV exposure by 19:00 PM, making the late afternoon a much safer time for outdoor activities. Don't forget to apply sunscreen during the midday 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
14:00 | 4 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with January, February, March, October, November, and December presenting extreme conditions and a high UV Index of 15 to 13, allowing for a rapid burn time of only 10 minutes. The transition to April marks a decrease to a very high category (UV Index 9) with a burn time of 15 minutes, while May and August experience high conditions (UV Index 6) with burn times of 25 minutes. The months of June and July see a decline to a moderate level (UV Index 4) with longer burn times of 30 minutes. As September returns to very high (UV Index 10), visitors and residents are urged to exercise caution throughout the year, especially during the peak months of January to March and October to November. To minimize risk, it’s crucial to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoid prolonged exposure during peak UV 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 |
Vredendal | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
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 |