Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the heart of Mkuze, South Africa, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As the sun rises, UV levels can rise sharply, peaking throughout the day and posing risks such as sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Mkuze's tropical climate, which features hot summers and mild winters, residents and visitors alike must be aware of potential exposure. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Remember, prevention is key to maintaining a healthy glow!
The UV Index for the day showcases a clear peak during the midday hours, rising from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it reaches 2, but the real intensity hits at 10:00, soaring to 4. The maximum exposure occurs around 11:00 and 12:00, both maintaining a 5 on the scale, urging sun-seekers to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently declines to 4 at 13:00, then dips further to 3 by 14:00. By the time the clock strikes 15:00, it drops to 2, and the evening sets in with a comfortable 1 at 16:00. After 17:00, the UV Index drops to 0, signaling a safe end to sun-related activities.
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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
15:00 | 2 | 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 fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk months being January, February, March, and November, where the UV Index reaches extremes of 15 to 14, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. From April onward, UV exposure becomes slightly more moderate, with May and August classified as high at 7, allowing for a longer burn time of 25 minutes. The summer months of June and July see a decrease to a moderate level of 5, offering a safer exposure time of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are therefore advised to exercise caution during the extreme months, practicing protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially when the UV Index is 9 or above, as even brief exposure can lead to skin damage.
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 |
Mkuze | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
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 |