Last updated: May 3, 2025
In KwaDukuza, South Africa, being savvy about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in reducing the long-term risks of skin damage and conditions like skin cancer. With its Cfa climate, KwaDukuza experiences higher UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks at 6. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the sun safely and optimize their outdoor activities while prioritizing their skin's protection.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic picture of sun exposure. Early hours from 07:00 to 08:00 are marked by a low index of 1, making sun protection minimal. However, as the day unfolds, the intensity rises sharply; by 09:00, it reaches 3, climbing to a peak of 6 at both 11:00 and 12:00. During this time, it's crucial to take precautions against harmful rays. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 5 at 13:00 and further to 4 by 14:00. By late afternoon, the levels fall to 2 at 15:00 and drop to 1 by 16:00, and the sun's strength wanes completely after 18:00, where it dips to 0. Plan your outdoor activities wisely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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 variation, with extreme levels from January to March and in October to December, where the UV Index reaches as high as 15 and burn time is as little as 10 minutes. High-risk months include January, February, March, October, November, and December, all requiring vigilant sun protection given the extreme exposure category. As the year progresses, particularly in April and September, the UV Index shifts to very high (9), advising caution with a burn time of 15 minutes. It is recommended that both visitors and residents take appropriate precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours, to reduce the risk of skin damage. During the summer months (June, July, and August), the UV levels are lower, but still require awareness, especially in August when the index rises back to 7 (high).
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 |
| KwaDukuza | 14 | 14 | 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 |