Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Richards Bay, South Africa, where the sun's rays can be both intense and damaging. With peak UV levels reaching up to 6 during midday, it's essential to be aware of these indicators to protect your skin from sunburn and long-term health risks. The Cfa climate of Richards Bay, characterized by its warm and humid conditions, means that exposure to harmful UV radiation is heightened, particularly during the summer months. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle of Richards Bay while safeguarding your skin's health.
Experience the sun's embrace with our hourly UV Index data, highlighting the day's peak exposure times. The morning starts gently at 7:00 with a UV Index of 1, gradually climbing to 2 by 8:00 and reaching 3 at 9:00. The real heat kicks in at 10:00, where the index spikes to 5, peaking at 11:00 and 12:00 with a remarkable 6. As the afternoon unfolds, the index dips to 5 at 13:00 and gently declines further to 4 by 14:00. A gradual retreat follows, with readings of 2 at 15:00, 1 for the last hours until sunset, and finally dropping to 0 by 18:00 and throughout the evening. Stay protected and embrace the sunshine wisely!
| 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 | 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, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with January, February, March, October, November, and December marking the high-risk months for UV exposure, all registering an extreme level with a UV Index of 14 or 13 and a burn time of only 10 minutes. The spring sees a gradual decrease in UV levels, with April and May showing very high (8) and high (6) risk, respectively, while the summer months of June and July experience a moderate UV Index of 4 and 5, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. As fall approaches, UV levels rise again, peaking at 9 in September, then dropping back to extreme levels in October and November. Visitors and residents are advised to remain vigilant in protecting themselves from UV radiation, especially during the high-risk months, by seeking shade, wearing appropriate clothing, and using sunscreen to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term 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 |
| Richards Bay | 14 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 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 |