Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zoar, South Africa, where the sunny climate can lead to elevated levels of ultraviolet radiation. Keeping an eye on UV levels each day is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health, especially during peak hours when the index reaches levels of 3 to 5. With Zoar's semi-arid BWk climate, it's important to be mindful of your sun exposure to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing risks. Stay informed and take proactive steps to shield yourself from harmful UV rays!
The UV Index for the day begins at a safe 0 at 07:00, making it the perfect time for morning activities. As the sun rises, the index gradually climbs to 1 by 08:00 and 2 by 09:00. The intensity peaks between 11:00 and 13:00, reaching a maximum value of 5—a key time for sun protection! Following this, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 4 at 14:00 and then tapering off to 3 by 15:00. As afternoon gives way to evening, the UV Index decreases steadily to 1 at 17:00 and finally back to 0 by 19:00. Remember to enjoy the sun responsibly during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | 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 | 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 varies significantly throughout the year, with the highest levels typically occurring in the winter and early spring months. January and February feature extreme UV levels of 14 and 13, respectively, requiring only 10 minutes of sun exposure to cause skin burns. March also remains critical with an index of 11. The UV Index starts to drop in April to 8 (very high), allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. It further decreases during the summer months, reaching a moderate level of 5 in May and 4 from June to July, with burn times extending to 30 minutes. August sees a rise to 6 (high), with a burn time of 25 minutes, before climbing again in September to 9 (very high). Notably, October and November return to extreme levels of 11 and 13, with short burn times of 10 minutes. Finally, December peaks with an index of 15, indicating extreme exposure risk once again. Visitors and residents should take precautions, especially during high-risk months—particularly January, February, October, and December—by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize skin damage.
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 |
| Zoar | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 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 |