Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mathambgwane, Botswana, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health while enjoying the region's abundant sunshine. With a climate characterized by warm temperatures and frequent sun exposure, awareness of UV levels is essential to prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can reach a high of 8, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, residents and visitors can take proactive measures to enjoy the outdoors safely and maintain their skin's health in this delightful part of Botswana.
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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure dramatically fluctuates, with the highest risk months being January through April, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 17 to 12, requiring minimal sun exposure to avoid burns in just 10 minutes. Following this period, May to August sees a slight decrease, with UV Index values ranging from 9 to 10, categorized as very high, allowing for longer exposure times of 15 to 25 minutes. As temperatures drop in September through December, UV Index values remain high, fluctuating between 12 and 15, again necessitating caution with exposure limited to 10 to 15 minutes. To ensure safety, both visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the highest risk periods. Regularly checking the local UV index and adjusting outdoor activities accordingly is essential to minimize skin damage and promote overall health.
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 |
| Mathambgwane | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |