Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Machaneng, Botswana, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's BSh climate, residents face varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking at 8 between noon and 1 PM. Awareness of these levels is essential, as high UV exposure can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days with confidence, ensuring that your sun protection measures are always on point.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it gently climbs to 2, but it's not until 09:00 that it hits 3, signaling a clearer sky. The index takes a notable leap at 10:00, reaching a brisk 5, and peaks at 12:00 with a striking 8—the ideal time to seek shade or apply sunscreen! As the afternoon wears on, the index falls back to 7 at 13:00, and then gradually drops to 5 by 14:00. As the sun starts to set, there's a further decline, leaving the evening with a relaxed 1 at 16:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This detailed hour-by-hour progression highlights the importance of sun safety during the peak hours of the day!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | 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 | 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 |
The UV Index fluctuates significantly throughout the year, peaking during the winter months with an extreme exposure category from January to April, when the burn time is as low as 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are January, February, March, April, September, October, November, and December, where the UV Index consistently exceeds 11. As the seasons change, UV levels drop in the summer months of June and July, reaching a high exposure category with burn times extending to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures, especially in the high and extreme months, by wearing adequate sun protection, seeking shade, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
Machaneng | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
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 |