Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Tugela Ferry, South Africa, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's Cwa climate characterized by warm summers and distinct seasons, residents and visitors alike face varying levels of UV radiation, particularly during peak sunlight hours. Keeping track of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially when the index can reach a maximum of 5 around midday. Awareness of these risks can empower everyone to enjoy the outdoors safely, while safeguarding their skin against harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a steady rise in intensity, peaking at 12:00 PM with a value of 5—a clear indicator for sun protection. Mornings start off gentle with an index of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, climbing to 2 by 09:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index increases to 3 at 10:00 and escalates to 4 by 11:00. However, the intensity peaks at 12:00 PM before gradually declining in the afternoon; it slips back to 4 at 1:00 PM, then 3 at 2:00 PM, 2 at 3:00 PM, and finally returns to a safer 1 by 4:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, the UV exposure is negligible at 0, allowing for a safe evening outside. Keeping an eye on these UV levels can ensure you enjoy the sunshine while staying protected!
| 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 | 2 | 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 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 |