Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Margate, South Africa, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With the region's Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, the UV levels can fluctuate significantly throughout the day. Knowing the UV index helps in preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, especially during peak hours when the index reaches 4 around noon. As UV exposure can lead to serious skin issues, staying informed empowers residents and visitors alike to enjoy the beautiful Margate sun safely.
Throughout the day, the UV Index exhibits a clear pattern of intensity. Starting off low in the morning, it registers a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. As the sun climbs higher, the index gradually increases, peaking at 4 between 11:00 and 13:00, where caution is advised for prolonged outdoor activities. After this peak, the index begins to taper off, dropping back to 1 by 15:00 and reaching 0 by 17:00, signaling the end of the day’s sun exposure concerns. Overall, it's a day that calls for sun safety measures during midday, but becomes safer as the evening approaches.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | 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 |