Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Tugela Ferry, South Africa, where the subtropical highland climate brings its own set of sun exposure challenges. With UV levels peaking at 6 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, awareness of these measurements is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. Knowing when the UV levels are highest allows you to take necessary precautions, safeguarding your skin while enjoying the sunny outdoors. Be mindful of the typical risks associated with Tugela Ferry's climate, and stay informed about the UV Index to make the most of your time in the sun!
The UV Index in this hourly snapshot reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day. Early morning sees low levels, with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, indicating minimal risk for skin damage. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where caution is advised due to an increased risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By mid-afternoon, the index starts to drop, falling to 4 at 2:00 PM, and then further declines towards evening, with readings of 2 at 3:00 PM and returning to 1 by 4:00 PM. The day concludes with a relief as the index reaches 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling a safe time to be outdoors without sun protection. This data serves as a reminder to stay vigilant during peak hours to protect your skin!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 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 |