Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Ballito, South Africa, where the sun’s powerful rays can pose significant risks, especially during the warmer months. Awareness of UV levels matters not only for preventing sunburn but also for promoting long-term skin health and reducing the risk of skin conditions. With Ballito's Cfa climate, characterized by humid subtropical weather, the region experiences fluctuating UV exposure, particularly peaking between 10 AM and 2 PM when the index can reach levels of 5. Staying informed about the UV Index can help you enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely!
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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 |
Throughout the year, UV radiation levels fluctuate significantly, peaking in the extreme category during winter months. January, February, and March are notable high-risk months with UV Index values of 14, 13, and 12, respectively, leading to a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into spring, April sees a slight drop to 9 (very high), but exposure remains concerning, particularly with a burn time of only 15 minutes. By May and August, the UV Index modulates to 6 and 7 (high), allowing for slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes. September returns to a very high category at 9, necessitating caution. The trend towards lower UV levels continues into the summer months, with June and July classified as moderate but still requiring vigilance. By the end of the year, October and November see a resurgence in extreme UV levels at 11 and 12, respectively, maintaining a dangerous 10-minute burn time. Finally, December records the highest UV Index at 15, emphasizing the need for protective measures year-round. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to stay informed and use adequate sun protection, especially during high-risk months.
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 |
| Ballito | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 15 |
| 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 |