Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Saint Lucia Estuary, South Africa, where the warm, humid climate (Cfa zone) can lead to heightened sun exposure risks. By keeping an eye on UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn, protect your skin health, and enjoy outdoor activities safely. Typically, the UV Index in this enchanting region peaks around midday, reaching levels that can pose significant risks if precautions aren't taken. Being informed empowers you to make smarter choices about sun protection, ensuring that your time in the sun can be both enjoyable and safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a value of 5 – a clear call for sun safety! Early in the morning, from 07:00 to 09:00, the index remains low at 1 or 2, ideal for outdoor activities. However, by 10:00 AM, it intensifies, reaching 3, and continues climbing through 11:00, where it's a moderate 4. The highest risk occurs between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, making it crucial to wear protection if you're outside. As the afternoon continues, the UV levels gradually decline to 3 by 2:00 PM and drop further to 1 by 3:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, the UV Index falls to 0, signaling a safe end to UV exposure for the day. Enjoy the sunshine responsibly! 🌞
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels display significant seasonal variations, with high-risk months primarily occurring during the winter and early spring. From January to March, the UV index peaks at 14—categorized as extreme—with a burn time of only 10 minutes, necessitating vigilant sun protection. In April, the index drops slightly to 9 (very high) but remains critical with a burn time of 15 minutes. The summer months (June and July) see a reduction to a moderate level of 5, allowing for longer exposure (30 minutes). However, elevated levels return in August and September, with indexes of 7 and 9, respectively. As autumn rolls in, October and November again experience extreme levels of UV at 11 and 13, with quick burn times of 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures—such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses—especially during the high-risk months to avoid harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Saint Lucia Estuary | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 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 |