Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Ulundi, South Africa, where the combination of a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) and intense solar radiation can lead to significant UV exposure risks. Monitoring UV levels throughout the day is vital for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. From a low index of 1 in the early morning to peaks of 6 around midday, being aware of these fluctuations can help you make informed decisions about sun protection. With Ulundi's sunny disposition, it’s essential to stay vigilant against harmful UV rays to ensure you enjoy the outdoors safely.
Experience the sun's embrace with our hourly UV Index data, highlighting the day's peak exposure times. The morning starts gently at 7:00 with a UV Index of 1, gradually climbing to 2 by 8:00 and reaching 3 at 9:00. The real heat kicks in at 10:00, where the index spikes to 5, peaking at 11:00 and 12:00 with a remarkable 6. As the afternoon unfolds, the index dips to 5 at 13:00 and gently declines further to 4 by 14:00. A gradual retreat follows, with readings of 2 at 15:00, 1 for the last hours until sunset, and finally dropping to 0 by 18:00 and throughout the evening. Stay protected and embrace the sunshine wisely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | 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 | 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 |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal variation, with extreme levels persisting from January to March and then reappearing in October to December. During these months, the UV Index peaks at 15 in January and decreases to 14 in December, each associated with a burn time of just 10 minutes. April and September also present very high risk with indices of 9 and 10, respectively, allowing slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Conversely, May sees a reduction to a high risk of 6, permitting 25 minutes of safe exposure, while June and July feature moderate levels with indices of 5 and a burn time of 30 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, visitors and residents should take extra precautions between January and March and again from October to December when UV exposure is most extreme. It's essential to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Ulundi | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 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 |