UV Index in Cape Town

Real-time UV forecast & tanning weather

Current Conditions

Loading live weather data...
0
Low
UV Index
🌡️
12°C
Temperature
☁️
Overcast
Conditions
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Peak Tanning Window 2PM • UV 3

Hourly UV Forecast

0
6AM
0
7AM
0
NOW
0
9AM
1
10AM
2
11AM
3
12PM
3
1PM
3
2PM
2
3PM
2
4PM
1
5PM
0
6PM
0
7PM
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8PM
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9PM
Low 0–2 Moderate 3–5 High 6–7 Very High 8–10 Extreme 11+

16-Day UV Forecast

3
Mon 1
Poor
4
Tue 2
Fair
4
Wed 3
Poor
4
Thu 4
Poor
4
Fri 5
Fair
3
Sat 6
Poor
2
Sun 7
Poor
2
Mon 8
Poor
3
Tue 9
Poor
3
Wed 10
Poor
2
Thu 11
Poor
3
Fri 12
Poor
1
Sat 13
Poor
3
Sun 14
Poor
3
Mon 15
Poor
3
Tue 16
Poor

Location & Climate

Cape Town experiences strong UV levels, especially during its long summer and shoulder seasons, though coastal breezes can offer some relief. Maximize your tanning potential by heading to Clifton Beaches or Camps Bay during the midday sun, but always remember sun protection.

Tanning Tips

Cape Town enjoys strong UV from spring through fall. Peak tanning season runs January to December, with UV often exceeding 8.

Weather data by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)

Monthly UV Index in Cape Town

Average daily maximum UV index by month

Jan
11
Feb
10
Mar
8
Apr
5
May
3
Jun
2
Jul
3
Aug
4
Sep
6
Oct
8
Nov
10
Dec
11
Low Moderate High Very High Extreme

Best Months to Tan in Cape Town

Based on average UV levels, the best months for tanning in Cape Town are:

January Excellent February Excellent March Great October Great November Excellent December Excellent

Rating based on average monthly UV index

Related Guides

Tanning in UV 9-10+ → Aggressive Tanning — What to Know → Safe Tanning Tips → Foods That Help You Tan → How to Get Rid of a Tan →

Tanning Tools & Calculators

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Tanning Time Calculator

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Sunburn Calculator

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Skin Type Quiz

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Tanning Routine Creator

Build a personalized tanning plan based on your skin, UV, and experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UV index in Cape Town right now?
The current UV index in Cape Town is shown in the live weather section above. UV levels change throughout the day, typically peaking between 11 AM and 2 PM local time.
What is the best month to tan in Cape Town?
The best months for tanning in Cape Town are January, February, March, October, November, December, when average UV levels reach 7 or higher.
How long should I tan in Cape Town?
Tanning time depends on your skin type and the current UV index. For a moderate UV of 10, a person with Skin Type III (medium complexion) can safely tan for about 15 minutes per session. Use our Tanning Calculator for personalized recommendations.
Is it safe to tan in UV index 11?
UV index 11 is classified as Extreme. Extreme — stay in shade during peak hours. Tanning is not recommended without strong protection.
When is the peak UV time in Cape Town?
UV levels in Cape Town typically peak between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM local time. The exact peak depends on the season, cloud cover, and altitude.

UV Index in Nearby Cities

10
Camps Bay
Avg. Peak UV
› 10
Muizenberg
Avg. Peak UV
› 10
Stellenbosch
Avg. Peak UV
› 10
Paternoster
Avg. Peak UV
› 10
Langebaan
Avg. Peak UV
› 10
Hermanus
Avg. Peak UV
›

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