Across the year, 289 days reach the 45° solar elevation needed for optimal UVB synthesis — roughly January to December. Peak windows last up to 398 minutes. The monthly calendar below shows the exact picture.
| Month | Max UV | Optimal window (≥ 45°) | Extended window (≥ 30°) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12.38 | 09:00 – 15:33 (393 min) | 07:52 – 16:40 (528 min) | Optimal |
| Feb | 12.45 | 09:18 – 15:25 (367 min) | 08:11 – 16:32 (501 min) | Optimal |
| Mar | 11.15 | 09:38 – 14:54 (315 min) | 08:27 – 16:05 (458 min) | Optimal |
| Apr | 8.46 | 10:17 – 13:57 (220 min) | 08:50 – 15:24 (394 min) | Optimal |
| May | 5.98 | — | 09:21 – 14:46 (325 min) | Reduced |
| Jun | 4.68 | — | 09:48 – 14:28 (280 min) | Reduced |
| Jul | 4.81 | — | 09:43 – 14:44 (301 min) | Reduced |
| Aug | 6.17 | 10:47 – 13:36 (169 min) | 09:08 – 15:16 (368 min) | Optimal |
| Sep | 8.17 | 09:40 – 14:25 (285 min) | 08:25 – 15:40 (435 min) | Optimal |
| Oct ← | 9.92 | 08:58 – 14:48 (351 min) | 07:50 – 15:56 (486 min) | Optimal |
| Nov | 11.05 | 08:39 – 15:05 (386 min) | 07:32 – 16:12 (520 min) | Optimal |
| Dec | 11.74 | 08:44 – 15:22 (398 min) | 07:36 – 16:30 (534 min) | Optimal |
The calendar above shows typical windows based on solar geometry. Below, today's cloud cover and your skin type are factored in for a personalised dose recommendation — updated live.
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In December, when UV peaks around 11.74, someone with medium skin (type III) typically needs about 5 minutes outside — arms and face exposed, no sunscreen. Darker skin takes roughly 2–4 times longer to absorb the same amount. If you're out during the extended window when the sun's a bit lower, budget closer to 30–45 minutes.
Surprisingly, yes — Johannesburg gets enough direct sun for some synthesis even through the colder months. The windows get shorter, but they're there. Check the monthly table above for exact times.
Peak UV in Johannesburg hits 12.45 around December — high enough to burn fairly quickly. Stick to your synthesis window (~5 min for medium skin), then put SPF 30+ on straight away. More time outside doesn't mean more vitamin D; it just means more burn risk.
Yes, but maybe less than you'd expect. Thin cloud cover barely makes a dent — you're still getting around 90% of UVB on a lightly overcast day. Once you're into heavy overcast territory (75%+ cloud cover), it's a different story: you might need to stay out about twice as long for the same effect. On a genuinely grey day, it's often not worth it. The calculator below uses today's actual forecast for Johannesburg so you don't have to guess.
Sadly, no. Glass blocks UVB almost entirely — the exact wavelength your skin needs to make vitamin D. Sitting in a sunny room with light streaming in feels nice, but it won't do anything for your levels. You need to actually be outside, skin exposed to real, unfiltered sky.
Think of it this way: the optimal window (sun above 45°) is when UVB punches through the atmosphere efficiently — 10–20 minutes is enough for most people with medium skin. The extended window (30–45°) is the sun at a shallower angle, working through more atmosphere. UVB is still there, just diluted. Same result in the end, you just need 30–45 minutes rather than 15. Below 30°, the path is too long and most UVB gets absorbed before it reaches you, regardless of how long you stay out.