Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Gweta, Botswana, where the sun shines brightly in a semi-arid climate. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 8 during midday hours, awareness of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn, safeguarding skin health, and reducing the risk of long-term damage. By knowing when UV exposure is most intense, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. Stay informed and stay safe in the sun!
At sunrise, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 07:00, rising gradually as the sun climbs higher. By 09:00, it reaches 3, indicating a moderate level of UV radiation. The heat of the day peaks at 12:00 with a high of 8, suggesting it’s time to seek shade or apply sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the index slightly drops to 7 at 13:00 and continues to decline, settling at 3 by 15:00. As the sun starts to set, the risk diminishing to 1 at 17:00 and finally dropping to 0 by 18:00, signaling a safer time for outdoor activities as the day winds down. Be mindful of the midday sun 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
15:00 | 3 | 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 |
During the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with extreme levels recorded from January through April and during the months of September to November, indicating a high risk of skin damage from sun exposure. January, February, March, and April show an exceptionally high UV Index of 16, suggesting a burn time of just 10 minutes. Transitioning into the summer, May, June, July, and August experience a drop to a very high UV Index, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. As the year progresses into fall, the UV Index increases again, peaking in November before returning to extreme levels in December. Visitors and residents should take the necessary precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, especially during high-risk months in the winter and early spring while enjoying outdoor activities.
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 |
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 |
Gweta | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |