Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Letlhakane, Botswana, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's hot semi-arid climate, residents and visitors face significant UV exposure, especially during the midday hours when the index peaks at 7 around noon. Being aware of UV levels not only helps you protect yourself but also promotes better long-term skin care. As you navigate sunny days in Letlhakane, knowing how to adapt your outdoor activities based on the UV Index can significantly reduce the risk of harmful UV effects.
The UV Index for the day reveals a significant shift as the sun rises. Starting at a low 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the intensity gradually ramps up, peaking at 7 during 12:00 and 13:00—prime time to protect your skin! As the afternoon progresses, it dips to 5 by 14:00, then descends further to 3 at 15:00. The latter part of the day sees a decline in UV exposure, returning to 1 by 16:00 and eventually dropping to 0 by 18:00 and 19:00. Be mindful of the midday sun; it's wise to wear sunscreen and seek shade when the UV Index 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
14:00 | 5 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index reflects significant seasonal changes that highlight periods of increased sun exposure risk. The highest risk months for UV exposure are from January to March, where the UV Index reaches an extreme 16, necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring progresses into summer, the UV Index begins to decrease, with June and July showing a high exposure category at 7, allowing for slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes. However, August ramps back up to a very high level of 10. The trend shifts again into autumn, where September maintains an extreme category with a UV Index of 11, and notable peaks return in the final months of the year, particularly November (UV Index 15). Given these fluctuations, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautionary measures during peak months, wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen, especially during the extreme UV Index periods.
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 |
Letlhakane | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
Maun UVI | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |