Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Cala, South Africa, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and enhancing your overall health. As UV levels fluctuate throughout the day, knowing when to take precautions can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Cala's Cfb climate features moderate temperatures, but even a brief exposure during peak UV hours—typically around midday when levels can reach 5—can pose significant risks. Stay informed and enjoy the sun responsibly!
The UV Index throughout the day follows a distinct pattern, with the intensity peaking at 12:00 PM when it reaches a noteworthy level of 5. Morning hours start off mild, with values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, gradually escalating to 2 by 09:00, then climbing to 4 at 11:00. Post-noon, the index slightly decreases, falling to 4 again at 13:00, before tapering off to 2 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the levels drop significantly, plunging to 0 by 19:00. This highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with January, February, March, October, November, and December classified as high-risk months due to their extreme exposure category and a burn time of only 10 minutes. As the year progresses, the UV Index decreases from 15 in the winter months to a low of 5 during June and July, where exposure is considered moderate. However, the risk increases again in August and September, with indices reaching 7 and 10, respectively. Residents and visitors should be especially cautious during the extreme months, applying sunscreen frequently, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize skin damage. Even during moderate months, it’s advisable to stay aware of UV levels and take protective measures when spending extended time outdoors.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cape Town UVI | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 |
Durban UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
Cala | 15 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
Johannesburg UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
Pretoria UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
Soweto UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |