Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Gobojango, Botswana, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing painful sunburns, especially given the region's semi-arid climate. The UV levels can peak as high as 7 around midday, highlighting the importance of being aware of sunlight exposure throughout the day. With the intense sun's rays, even brief outings can lead to skin damage if proper precautions aren't taken. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping your skin healthy and protected from the sun's harmful effects.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic day of sun exposure. Beginning at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, the index gradually rises, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM. A significant surge occurs at 10:00 AM, with the UV Index climbing to 5, peaking at an intense 7 at 12:00 PM. The intensity then begins to decline, with values of 6 at 1:00 PM, dropping to 4 by 2:00 PM, and further decreasing to 3 at 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the index returns to 1 by 4:00 PM and finally falls to 0 after 6:00 PM, marking a gentler evening. It's a reminder to stay sun-smart during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest!
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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 experiences significant seasonal variation, peaking during the first four months of the year with values consistently in the extreme category, particularly notable in January at 16 and gradually decreasing to 12 in April. The months of September, October, and November also present extreme conditions, with indices ranging from 11 to 15. The high-risk months for UV exposure, therefore, are primarily from January to April and again in September to November. From May to July, the UV Index drops to very high and high categories, with longer burn times of 15 to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extreme caution during high UV periods, wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting sun exposure to prevent harmful effects.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gaborone UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
Molepolole UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
Selebi-Phikwe UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 15 |
Gobojango | 16 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
Francistown UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 15 |
Maun UVI | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |