Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Pongola, South Africa, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. With the region's Cfa climate offering warm weather year-round, high UV levels, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, can lead to severe sunburn and long-term skin health issues. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors can take appropriate precautions to enjoy the sun safely, ensuring outdoor activities remain both enjoyable and risk-free. Remember, a UV Index of 7 is a reminder that sun safety is especially important in this sunny locale!
Today’s UV Index showcases a dynamic progression throughout the day. Beginning with a gentle 1 at 07:00, the index steadily climbs, peaking at a robust 7 by 12:00—a reminder to stay protected around midday when sun exposure is strongest. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with values tapering to 4 at 14:00, before dropping to 2 by 15:00, and eventually settling at 1 by 17:00. As evening approaches, UV exposure recedes to 0 after 18:00, marking a safe time for outdoor activities without the worry of sunburn. Be sure to keep sunscreen handy during the peak hours for optimal protection!
| 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with January and February marking the peak of extreme exposure at 15 and 14 respectively, necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes. The risk remains pronounced in March with an index of 12, before tapering slightly in April at 9, though it remains in the very high category. May sees a decline to high (UV Index 7), transitioning to moderate levels in June and July (UV Index 5), which allows for longer burn times of 30 minutes. However, exposure risk surges again in August (UV Index 8) and September (UV Index 10), both categorized as very high. The trend of extreme UV exposure returns in October and November (UV Index 12 and 13), before ending the year with December at 14. Given this data, it is critical for visitors and residents to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months of January to March and October to November, by utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
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 |
| Pongola | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 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 |