UV Index
UV Index
Today's UV index in Cape Town, South Africa 
will be up to 3.6, indicating a moderate level of sun exposure for the average person. Check our tips for today to make sure you're safe in the sun.
Last checked: 2025-05-09
With a UV index reaching up to 3.6 in Cape Town, stay shaded during midday when the sun is strongest; wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses; apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days; and be cautious of heightened UV on bright surfaces.
Cape Town's UV index varies from moderate (around 5) in winter to very high (up to 10 or more) in summer, making sun strength stronger during the hotter months. The city has a Mediterranean climate with wet winters from May to August and dry, warm summers from November to March. Compared to other parts of South Africa, Cape Town is cooler and wetter, especially in winter. Its coastal location makes it milder than inland areas. Neighboring Namibia is generally drier, and Botswana tends to be hotter and more arid than Cape Town.
See the UV index hour by hour for Cape Town, along with the temperature and how cloudy it is. If the UV level is higher than moderate, it's best to avoid direct sunlight.