Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Bela-Bela, South Africa, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health under the sun. With a climate characterized by warm, dry summers and plenty of sunshine, awareness of UV levels can help you effectively prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, particularly between 11 AM and 1 PM, the UV Index soars to levels that pose significant risks, making it vital to take precautions. By monitoring the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful outdoor lifestyle Bela-Bela offers while staying protected from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
The UV Index data for the day reveals a notable peak around noon, reaching a maximum of 7, indicating a high level of sun exposure. The morning begins with a mild index, starting at 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it rises to 2, slowly climbing to 4 by 10:00. The intensity escalates significantly by 11:00 and hits its zenith at 12:00. After that, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 6 at 13:00 and 5 at 14:00, before falling to 3 by 15:00. As the evening approaches, the UV Index decreases rapidly, returning to 1 by 16:00 and reaching 0 by 18:00, signaling an end to the sun's harmful rays for the day. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels consistently occurring in the winter months of January and February, where both register at 16, categorizing exposure as extreme and necessitating a mere 10 minutes of sun exposure before burning. Following closely, March through April also showcases extreme UV levels, before tapering slightly in May, where the index drops to 8 but remains in the very high range. June and July see mild reductions, landing at 6 and 7, respectively, representing high exposure risks with a burn time of 25 minutes. Nevertheless, as the season transitions back to fall, September and October return to extreme levels, particularly notable in September at 11 and October at 13, while November maintains a high index of 14. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant from January through April and again in September and October, as these are critical months for high UV exposure risks. It's advisable for everyone to adopt protective measures, including wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, during these high-risk periods to minimize adverse effects from 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 |
| 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 |
| Bela-Bela | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |