Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for ensuring sun safety in Nongoma, South Africa. With its BSh climate, residents and visitors are exposed to varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking at 5 around midday. Being aware of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. In Nongoma, where sunny days are frequent, knowing when to take protective measures can significantly reduce the risk of harmful exposure. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the sun responsibly and protect your skin from its damaging effects.
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 |
Nongoma | 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 |