Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zoar, South Africa, where the BWk climate brings both sunshine and risks. With UV levels peaking during midday—reaching up to 4—awareness of these fluctuations helps prevent sunburn and promotes long-term skin health. As you enjoy the warm, sunny days in this vibrant region, staying informed about UV exposure can safeguard against harmful effects, ensuring you make the most of your time under the sun while protecting your skin.
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 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 |