Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Tugela Ferry, South Africa, as it plays a vital role in protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With the area's Cwa climate bringing bright, sunny days, knowing the UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and maintain your long-term skin health. The daily UV Index can spike during midday hours, reaching levels of up to 5, making it essential to stay informed and take protective measures when necessary. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors or enjoying leisurely activities, being aware of the UV Index empowers you to make safer decisions under the South African sun.
The UV Index for today reveals a dynamic day filled with fluctuating sun exposure. Early morning hours start off mild, with levels at 1 from 07:00 to 08:00, ideal for gentle outdoor activities. As the sun climbs, the index rises to 2 by 09:00 and peaks at 5 between 11:00 and 13:00, signaling a strong need for sunscreen and protective gear during midday. Fortunately, the intensity begins to dip after 14:00, descending back to 3 and eventually settling at 1 by late afternoon. As twilight approaches, the UV Index falls to 0, providing a safe window for evening strolls. Remember to stay protected when the sun is at its strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | 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 demonstrate significant seasonal variations. The highest risk months for UV exposure are January, February, March, October, November, and December, all classified with an extreme UV index of 15 or higher. During these months, the burn time is as short as 10 minutes, necessitating diligent sun protection measures. In April, the UV index drops slightly to 10 (very high), before further decreasing to 6 in May and 5 in June and July (both moderate). As the summer months wind down, August sees a rise to 8 (very high), followed by September returning to 10. With temperatures warming and outdoor activities becoming more frequent, visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during the extreme months to mitigate the risk of 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 |
| Durban UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Tugela Ferry | 15 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 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 |