Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Port Nolloth, South Africa, being aware of the UV Index is crucial to safeguarding your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health—essential, especially in a region characterized by its sunny, dry climate. With UV indices peaking at 6 during midday, residents and visitors alike must take proactive measures to protect themselves against potential skin damage. Stay informed and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery while keeping your skin safe!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic picture of sun exposure. Starting from a maximum of 0 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs, reaching 1 by 8:00 AM and reaching the moderate threshold of 3 by 10:00 AM. The peak UV exposure occurs between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, with levels hitting 6—a time to ensure adequate sunscreen application! As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines; it drops to 4 by 3:00 PM and then further decreases to 1 by 6:00 PM, before settling back to 0 at 7:00 PM. This pattern serves as a reminder to enjoy the sun with caution during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels significantly fluctuate, with the highest risks occurring in the winter months of January, February, and December, where the UV Index peaks at 14, categorized as extreme, and a burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring approaches, values remain high, notably in March (UV Index 12) and April (UV Index 9). In May, the index drops to 6 (high), transitioning into moderate levels of 5 during June and July. Late summer brings a slight increase with August's UV Index at 7, before leaping back to very high in September (UV Index 10). Autumn concludes with high indices in October and November (UV Indexes 12 and 13, respectively). Visitors and residents should take precautions, especially during high-risk months—January through April and September through November—by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure 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 |
| Port Nolloth | 14 | 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 |