Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Richards Bay, South Africa, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation. With the potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage, being aware of daily UV levels can help you take the necessary precautions. Typically experiencing a Cfa climate, Richards Bay faces unique UV exposure risks, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at 5 around noon. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while prioritizing your skin health.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a dynamic pattern, peaking at 5 during the late morning to early afternoon hours. Starting off with a low rating of 1 at 07:00 AM and 08:00 AM, the index rises steadily to 2 by 09:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, it escalates to 3 at 10:00 AM and reaches its maximum of 5 at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, signaling the most intense UV exposure. By 01:00 PM, it begins to decline to 4, then 3 at 02:00 PM, and further decreases to 2 at 03:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index drops back to 1 by 04:00 PM and stays there through the evening, finally slipping to 0 after 06:00 PM. Stay sun-smart and protect your skin during those peak hours!
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 | 7 | 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, 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 |