UV Index Today
UV Index in Johannesburg, South Africa Today
Live UV index and hourly forecast for Johannesburg. Check the current level before you head out, see when the sun peaks today, and know exactly what protection you need.
Hourly UV forecast
Times shown in Johannesburg local time (SAST). Data from currentuvindex.com, updated hourly.
What the UV index means in Johannesburg
The UV index is a simple 0 to 11+ scale for the strength of the sun's ultraviolet radiation. The higher the number, the faster unprotected skin can burn. In Johannesburg, the reading rises and falls through the day and shifts with the seasons, cloud cover, and how high the sun sits in the sky.
Use the live reading above to decide what you need right now. As a rule of thumb: at UV 3 or above, wear sunscreen and a hat; at UV 6 and above, add shade during the middle of the day; at UV 8 and above, treat midday sun with real caution.
UV in Johannesburg: geography and seasons
At 26.2° S, Johannesburg sits in the subtropics. UV is strong for much of the year and peaks around December and January, when the sun climbs almost directly overhead at midday. The city sits about 1,767 m (5,798 ft) above sea level. Because UV rises roughly 10% for every 1,000 m of altitude, that elevation lifts Johannesburg's UV noticeably above sea-level cities at the same latitude.
Sources: coordinates and elevation from GeoNames; UV, altitude, and latitude guidance from the World Health Organization and the US EPA.
Sun-safety tips for Johannesburg
- Check the current UV index above before spending time outdoors.
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen 15 minutes before going out, and reapply every two hours.
- Seek shade during the strongest midday hours.
- Wear a wide-brim hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Remember that UV passes through light cloud and reflects off water, sand, and snow.