Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, a beautiful coastal city known for its moderate Cfa climate and abundant sunshine. With UV levels fluctuating throughout the day, awareness of these readings can significantly help you prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. Typically reaching a peak of 4 around midday, Port Elizabeth presents various UV exposure risks that require attention. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely and make informed choices about sun protection.
The UV Index for the day unfolds a fascinating journey through the hours, starting with a maximum of 0 at 7:00 AM, indicating a safe start to the morning. As the sun ascends, the index gradually climbs to 1 by 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, hinting at a gentle rise in UV exposure. By 10:00 AM, the UV Index reaches 2, marking the beginning of a moderate risk period. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with a high of 4, prompting sun safety measures to avoid overexposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index recedes slightly, stabilizing at 3 from 11:00 AM to 14:00 PM, before tapering off to 1 by 16:00 PM, and finally returning to 0 by the evening. This daily UV cycle highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during midday hours when UV radiation is strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with January, February, and November registering the highest levels at 14, categorized as extreme with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring approaches, March maintains a high index of 11, remaining in the extreme category. The UV levels drop moderately from April to July, where they range from 8 (very high) to 4 (moderate), allowing for safer sun exposure with burn times extending to 30 minutes in June and July. However, August sees a rise to a 6 (high), leading into the fall months, where September and October shift back to very high levels of 8 and 10, with burn times of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during the extreme months of January, February, March, November, and to be vigilant during the high-risk periods in April, September, and October. It is essential to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours to minimize UV exposure.
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 |
| Port Elizabeth | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 |
| Durban UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 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 |