Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Margate, South Africa, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With typical midday UV levels peaking at 4, understanding these UV ratings can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Margate's Cfa climate boasts warm temperatures and ample sunshine, increasing the risk of UV exposure, especially during the peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful coastal lifestyle while taking the necessary precautions to protect your skin.
The UV Index for the day reveals a gradual increase in solar intensity as the sun climbs higher. Starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index nudges to 2 by 09:00 and peaks at 4 between 11:00 and 13:00, indicating a notable amount of UV exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the value slightly tapers off to 3 at 14:00 and dwindles down to 2 by 15:00. The evening brings a steep decline, with the index dropping to 1 at 16:00 and then to 0 after 18:00. Stay protected during the midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest!
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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
14:00 | 5 | 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 index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with the highest risks occurring from January to March and again in October to December. During these months, the UV Index soars to extreme levels of 13 to 14, necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. April and September also present high-risk periods with a very high UV Index of 9, where the burn time decreases to 15 minutes. Late spring and summer months, particularly May to July, see a moderate drop in UV exposure, transitioning from a high of 6 in May to 4 in June and July, allowing for longer safe exposure times. However, August marks a return to high levels, with an index of 7. Given this data, residents and visitors are strongly advised to prioritize sun safety during the high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV radiation is at its peak.
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 |
Margate | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 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 |