Kool-a-Sun Sunscreen

SA UV Index Map



South Africa UV Index
UV Index Explained Avoid Sun Exposure if Possible, Extra Sun Block and Shading for the Face is essential. Do Not GO Outside Between 11AM and 2PM. You will be damaging your skin if unprotected Sunblock is essential, Ensure Face is Shaded. Try to avoid midday sun.Sunburn can result from 15 minutes peak sun exposure Sunburn can result after 30 minutes Sun Exposure. Wear Sunblock on Face and Arms Perfect for Light Tanning and Vitamin D production, Sunblock for face and sensitive areas is recommended, Sunburn will result if exposed unprotected for 60 to 120 minutes in the sun Little or No Risk of Sunburn

Today's Peak UV Index for SA Cities


Bloemfontein: 8.73
Ballito: 7.74
Cape Town: 6.21
Durban: 7.65
East London: 6.7
Johannesburg: 9.76
Nelspruit: 9.66
Maputo: 8.97
Plettenberg Bay: 6.14
Polokwane: 10.35
Port Elizabeth: 6.35
Pretoria: 9.87


SA UV Index Bookmark

What does the UV Index Mean?

The Ultra Violet ( UV ) index is an internationally recognised measure of the suns potential to do damage to our skin and eyes.

It is based on a rather complicated calculation called the McKinlay-Diffey Erythema Action Spectrum, and it basically compensates for the fact that different wavelengths of UV in the sun cause more damage than other wavelenths to ones skin.


Recommendations for Protection measures to take for the Different values on the UV index

UV Index Description Graphic Recommended Skin Protection Precautions
0-2 Low risk for most skin types Green Use sunblock if you have fair skin. Sunglasses are not required
3-5 Moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure Yellow Wear sunglasses and use suntan lotion, remember to wear a hat and a shirt, try avoid mid-day sun exposure
6-7 High risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure Orange Wear sunglasses and use suntan lotion having SPF 15 or higher, wear loose fitting clothing and a wear wide-brim hat, make an effort to avoid sun exposure between 11 AM and 2 PM.
8-10 Very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure Dark Red Wear Suntan lotion with SPF 15 or higher, a broad brim hat and loose fitting long sleeve tops are recommended, avoid exposure to mid-day sun, wear sunglasses, drink lots of water to prevent dehydration
11+ Extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure Violet / Purple Take all the above precautions, including: wearing sunglasses and using suntan lotion, cover the body with a loose fitting long-sleeve shirt and pants, wear a broad hat, if possible avoid sun exposure from 10 AM till 3 PM. Essential to drink lots of fluids as dehydration can readily occur with prolonged sun exposure and excessive sweating.



World UV Index