Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for everyone enjoying the sun at Tongaat Beach, South Africa. With its typically warm and humid climate, this beautiful coastal town presents unique challenges when it comes to UV exposure. Knowing the UV levels can help prevent sunburn and protect skin health, ensuring that your beach days are both enjoyable and safe. During the peak hours from 11 AM to 1 PM, the UV Index reaches levels of 6, highlighting the need for sun protection. Be aware and stay safe while soaking up the sun along this stunning shoreline!
The UV Index starts low in the early morning, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 and 12:00—the perfect time to take precautions if heading outside. By 13:00, it dips slightly to 5, and a more noticeable decline occurs in the afternoon, falling to 2 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops off sharply, reaching 1 by 16:00, and finally 0 past 18:00. It’s clear that midday sun calls for some sun safety measures, but the later hours provide a much more forgiving environment for enjoying the outdoors!
| 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 | 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, UV radiation levels fluctuate significantly, peaking in the extreme category during winter months. January, February, and March are notable high-risk months with UV Index values of 14, 13, and 12, respectively, leading to a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into spring, April sees a slight drop to 9 (very high), but exposure remains concerning, particularly with a burn time of only 15 minutes. By May and August, the UV Index modulates to 6 and 7 (high), allowing for slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes. September returns to a very high category at 9, necessitating caution. The trend towards lower UV levels continues into the summer months, with June and July classified as moderate but still requiring vigilance. By the end of the year, October and November see a resurgence in extreme UV levels at 11 and 12, respectively, maintaining a dangerous 10-minute burn time. Finally, December records the highest UV Index at 15, emphasizing the need for protective measures year-round. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to stay informed and use adequate sun protection, especially during high-risk months.
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 |
| Tongaat Beach | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 15 |
| 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 |