Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Port Shepstone, South Africa, where the subtropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure. The UV Index indicates the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Even during the morning hours, UV levels can rise, peaking at 4 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, highlighting the need for awareness and sun safety practices. With the sun’s intensity getting higher as the day progresses, it's essential to stay informed about UV exposure risks to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Port Shepstone without compromising skin safety.
The UV Index for the day reveals a gradual increase in solar intensity as the sun climbs higher. Starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index nudges to 2 by 09:00 and peaks at 4 between 11:00 and 13:00, indicating a notable amount of UV exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the value slightly tapers off to 3 at 14:00 and dwindles down to 2 by 15:00. The evening brings a steep decline, with the index dropping to 1 at 16:00 and then to 0 after 18:00. Stay protected during the midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 |