Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Makobeng, Botswana, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's BSh climate, residents and visitors experience varying UV exposure throughout the day, peaking between 10 AM and 1 PM when the index reaches levels of 6. By being aware of the UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself from harmful rays, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful Botswana sun safely. Whether you're spending time outdoors or working on your tan, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in maintaining healthy skin.
The UV Index demonstrates its daily rhythm, starting off softly with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun climbs, the intensity increases, peaking at a robust 6 from 11:00 to 13:00, encouraging sun safety awareness during these hours. Following the midday high, the index gently declines, dropping to 4 at 14:00, and tapering off to 1 by 16:00. As the sun sets, it graciously recedes into 0 by 18:00, ensuring that the evening hours bring a respite from UV exposure. Remember to protect your skin when the index is high, especially during the bustling hours of noon!
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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
12:00 | 6 | 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 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 |
Molepolole UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
Makobeng | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
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 |