Germany’s Federal Office for Radiation Protection has given guidance on the destinations where the risk of exposure to UV is significantly elevated. Using this information, Travel News has compiled a list of some of the most popular destinations for South African travellers.
The metric applied is based on the ultraviolet index (UVI), an international standard that measures the strength of UV radiation, which causes sunburn and other dangerous health conditions. The UVI can serve as a crucial tool for travellers, particularly for those who are more at risk, as it indicates different exposure categories: 0-2 low exposure, 3-5 moderate exposure, 6-7 high exposure, 8-10 very high exposure, and more than 11 is considered extreme exposure.
These destinations rank as follows:
- Berlin reaches a maximum of 7,
- Paris reaches a maximum of 7,
- Wellington reaches a maximum of 8,
- New York reaches a maximum of 9,
- Tokyo reaches a maximum of 10,
- Colombo regularly exceeds 11,
- Bangkok regularly exceeds 11,
- Hanoi regularly exceeds 11,
- Singapore regularly exceeds 11,
- Sydney regularly exceeds 11,
- Rio de Janeiro often exceeds 11,
- Buenos Aires reaches a maximum of 10,
- Cape Town reaches a maximum of 10,
- Nairobi regularly exceeds 11,
- Maputo reaches a maximum of 11.
In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines on how people can protect themselves from UV exposure based on the UVI scale. With UVIs of 0 to 2, people can enjoy the outdoors safely throughout the day. For UVIs between 3 and 7, it’s advisable to seek shade during midday hours and wear covering clothing, sunscreen, and hats. If the UVI exceeds 8, the WHO strongly recommends staying indoors, and wearing protective clothing, sunscreen, and hats when outdoors.
