Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Worcester, South Africa, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the levels of UV radiation can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, making it crucial for outdoor enthusiasts and residents alike. With a Csb climate, Worcester experiences moderate UV exposure, particularly during midday when values peak at 4 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. By regularly checking the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely and take proactive measures to shield yourself from its harmful effects.
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 displays significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the winter months with values reaching 15 in January and December, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. February and March also maintain extreme levels at 14 and 11, respectively. As we move into April, the index decreases to 8 (very high), and by May and June, it falls to 5 and 4, categorized as moderate, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes. The risk rises again towards the end of summer with August exhibiting a 6 (high) rating and a 25-minute burn time, before climbing to very high again in September at 9. The UV Index remains elevated in the fall, with 12 in October and 13 in November, both in the extreme category. To protect against harmful effects of UV exposure, visitors and residents should exercise caution, especially from January through March and during October and November when the UV Index is at its highest, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| Worcester | 15 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 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 |