UV index in Johannesburg
Current UV index, temperature and forecast for Johannesburg, South Africa — continuously updated from open weather data.
Moderate
Use sunscreen if you're outside for long.
10°C· Updated 11:29 AM
Forecast
UV in Johannesburg through the year
At 26°S, the midday sun in Johannesburg pushes the clear-sky UV index to around 12 (Extreme) at its December–January peak. Frequent cloud typically trims the real midday peak to about 10 (Very high). Even at midwinter the noon sun stays fairly high, so UV still reaches about 3 (Moderate).
The UV scale
- 0–2LowLow UV — enjoy the sun.
- 3–5ModerateUse sunscreen if you're outside for long.
- 6–7HighSPF 30+ recommended.
- 8–10Very highSPF 50+, seek shade 11–15.
- 11+ExtremeAvoid direct sun. Cover your skin.
What does the UV index mean?
The UV index is an international measure of the strength of the sun's ultraviolet radiation. The higher the value, the faster unprotected skin is damaged. From UV 3 upwards, sun protection is recommended. The level in Johannesburg varies with the season, the time of day and cloud cover — it peaks around midday in summer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UV index in Johannesburg right now?
Right now the UV index in Johannesburg is 5 (Moderate). Use sunscreen if you're outside for long.
When is the sun strongest in Johannesburg?
UV is strongest around solar noon (roughly 11:00–15:00) in December–January, when the index in Johannesburg peaks near 10 (Very high). Use sun protection during those hours through the high season.
What sun protection do I need?
At UV 1–2, protection is normally not needed. At UV 3–5, sunscreen is recommended. At UV 6–7: SPF 30+, a hat and sunglasses. At UV 8 or higher: SPF 50+, seek shade between 11:00 and 15:00, and cover up.
How often is the UV forecast updated?
Values are fetched continuously from Open-Meteo's open weather data and cached for a few minutes, so the page always shows a current level.
