Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Port Shepstone, South Africa, where the coastal climate can lead to varying levels of sun exposure throughout the day. With daily UV levels peaking as high as 6 around midday, it's essential to monitor these values to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference, especially in a region known for its sunny weather. Being aware of the UV Index not only helps maintain skin integrity but also ensures you enjoy all the outdoor activities Port Shepstone has to offer while staying safe from harmful UV rays.
Experience the sun's intensity as the day unfolds with the UV Index revealing a dynamic range of exposure. Beginning at dawn, the index starts at a modest 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe time for morning strolls. As the sun climbs higher, the UV Index rises sharply, peaking at 6 between 12:00 and 13:00, signaling high risk for skin damage at midday. Afterward, it gradually tapers off, dipping to 2 by 15:00, and further falling back to 1 by the late afternoon. As evening approaches, the UV levels finally drop to 0 after 18:00, providing a safe end to the day. Remember, protection is key during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 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 |
| Port Shepstone | 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 |