Kool-a-Sun Sunscreen

South Africa UV Index

The UV Index is a crucial measurement for understanding daily sun intensity and skin damage risk across South Africa. Our real-time UV data helps you plan appropriate sun protection strategies based on your location and current conditions.

South Africa UV Index Map
UV Index Explained
Today's Peak UV Index for South African Cities
Bloemfontein6.09
Ballito5.5
Cape Town4.72
Durban5.54
East London4.79
Johannesburg6.88
Nelspruit6.52
Maputo6.12
Plettenberg Bay4.74
Polokwane6.92
Port Elizabeth4.71
Pretoria6.9
Bookmark SA UV Index
What does the UV Index Mean?

The Ultra Violet (UV) index is an internationally recognised measure of the sun's potential to damage our skin and eyes. It is based on the McKinlay-Diffey Erythema Action Spectrum, which accounts for the fact that different wavelengths of UV radiation cause varying degrees of skin damage.

South Africa consistently experiences some of the highest UV index readings in the world due to its geographical position, altitude (especially in the Highveld), and clear skies throughout much of the year.

UV Protection Recommendations

UV Index Risk Level Recommended Protection Measures
0-2 Low • Minimal protection required for most skin types
• SPF 15+ recommended for fair skin
• Safe to enjoy outdoor activities
3-5 Moderate • Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen
• Use sunglasses and wear a hat
• Seek shade during midday hours
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
6-7 High • Apply SPF 30-50+ sunscreen generously
• Wear protective clothing and wide-brim hat
• Reduce sun exposure between 10am - 4pm
• Reapply sunscreen every 1-2 hours
• Sunburn can occur in 15-25 minutes without protection
8-10 Very High • Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen liberally
• Wear protective clothing, hat and sunglasses
• Minimize outdoor activities between 10am - 4pm
• Seek shade whenever outside
• Reapply sunscreen every hour
• Sunburn can occur in 10 minutes without protection
11+ Extreme • Take all precautions - SPF 50+ sunscreen, protective clothing
• Avoid outdoor activities between 10am - 4pm
• Stay in shade or indoors when possible
• Reapply sunscreen every hour
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration
• Sunburn can occur in less than 10 minutes without protection
Health Impacts of UV Exposure

While moderate sun exposure has benefits, excessive UV radiation can cause numerous short and long-term health issues:

  • Short-term effects: Sunburn, photosensitivity reactions, eye inflammation
  • Long-term effects: Premature skin aging, wrinkles, sun spots, cataracts
  • Serious conditions: Skin cancers (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma)
  • Immune system suppression: Reduced efficiency of the body's natural defenses
  • DNA damage: Cellular mutations that may lead to cancer development
    • Special UV Considerations for Vulnerable Groups

    Children

    Children have thinner, more sensitive skin and can burn more easily than adults. Sun damage during childhood is strongly linked to increased skin cancer risk later in life.

    Extra precautions:

    • Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight
    • Use SPF 50+ sunscreen formulated for sensitive skin
    • Reapply sunscreen more frequently
    • Use sun-protective clothing and wide-brim hats

    Read our Children's Sun Protection Guide

    People with Albinism

    People with albinism lack melanin, the natural pigment that provides some UV protection. They require maximum sun protection every day, year-round.

    Essential protection:

    • Use SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
    • Wear UV-protective eyewear
    • Cover exposed skin with protective clothing
    • Plan indoor activities during peak UV hours

    Learn about our PWA Initiative

    Outdoor Workers

    Construction workers, farmers, landscapers, and other outdoor professionals face chronic UV exposure, significantly increasing their risk of skin damage and cancer.

    Workplace protection:

    • Rotate job tasks to minimize sun exposure
    • Schedule outdoor work in early morning/late afternoon
    • Provide shaded break areas
    • Use specialized UV protective workwear

    Workplace UV Protection Solutions

    Solar Noon Information

    Solar noon is when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and UV radiation is at its peak intensity. In South Africa, this typically occurs between 12:00 and 13:00, depending on your location and the time of year.

    It's important to note that maximum UV risk doesn't align perfectly with temperature. UV levels can be extremely high even on mild or cloudy days, especially at higher altitudes like the Gauteng Highveld.

    South African Climate & UV Data

    South Africa has unique geographical features that contribute to high UV exposure:

    City Altitude Annual Sunny Days Highest UV Season Peak UV Range
    Johannesburg 1,500-1,800m ~300 days Oct-Mar 10-12+
    Pretoria 1,339m ~295 days Oct-Mar 10-12+
    Cape Town 0-300m ~280 days Nov-Feb 9-11
    Durban 0-150m ~320 days Dec-Feb 10-11
    Bloemfontein 1,395m ~325 days Nov-Mar 10-12+

    Why are UV levels so high in South Africa?

    • Geographic location: South Africa sits between 22°S and 35°S latitude, receiving intense solar radiation year-round
    • High altitude: The Highveld regions sit at 1,200-1,800m above sea level, where UV intensity increases ~10% for every 1,000m elevation
    • Clear skies: South Africa averages 8-10 hours of sunshine daily, with minimal cloud cover during much of the year
    • Ozone layer: Proximity to the Antarctic ozone hole during spring can increase UV exposure
    • Reflection: UV radiation reflects off surfaces like water, sand, and concrete, increasing total exposure
    Common Misconceptions About UV Protection
  • "I don't need sunscreen on cloudy days"
    Clouds block some UV radiation, but up to 80% can still penetrate cloud cover. Always wear sunscreen, even on overcast days.
  • "Dark skin doesn't need sun protection"
    While darker skin provides some natural protection (equivalent to SPF 8-15), it's still vulnerable to sun damage and skin cancer.
  • "Sunscreen once in the morning is enough"
    Sunscreen effectiveness decreases over time. Reapplication every 2 hours (or more frequently when swimming or sweating) is essential.
  • "Winter sun isn't dangerous"
    Even during South African winter, UV levels often reach moderate to high (3-7) during midday hours.
  • "A base tan protects me from sunburn"
    A tan offers minimal protection (equivalent to SPF 2-4) and indicates skin damage has already occurred.
    • UV Protection Products by UV Index Level

    Kool-a-Sun offers a range of products suited to different UV index levels:

    SPF 15-30 for UV Index 3-5 (Moderate)
    SPF 30-40 for UV Index 6-7 (High)
    SPF 50 for UV Index 8-10 (Very High)
    SPF 50+ & Physical Protection for UV Index 11+ (Extreme)
    Welding Barrier Cream for Industrial UV Protection
    Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
    Kids Formula for Children's Sensitive Skin
    Lip Balm SPF 30 for Lip Protection

    Need Advice on the Best UV Protection for Your Needs?

    Our team can help you choose the right sun protection products based on your skin type, activities, and local UV conditions.

    Contact Us
    View World UV Index Map