Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Mogapinyana, Botswana, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your health against harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in preserving long-term skin health. With a BSh climate characterized by strong sunlight, especially during midday hours, residents and visitors face heightened risks of UV damage. As the UV Index peaks at 7 around noon, it's essential to take precautions during these times to enjoy the sunny days safely.
The UV index for the day shows a gradual increase in intensity, peaking at 12:00 PM with a notably high value of 7. Starting the morning with a mild index of 1 at 07:00 AM and 08:00 AM, the UV levels began to rise significantly by 09:00 AM, reaching 3. It escalated further to 4 by 10:00 AM, and by 11:00 AM, the index hit 6, indicating a need for sun protection. The most intense UV exposure occurs at 12:00 PM, where the index reaches its maximum at 7 before starting to decline in the afternoon. Post 1:00 PM, the values dropped to 6, then fell to 4 at 02:00 PM, and continued retreating to 3 by 03:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV index returns to 1 by 04:00 PM and winds down to 0 in the evening hours, from 06:00 PM onwards. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine, but remember to take precautions during peak hours!
| 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 | 7 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index values exhibit significant seasonal changes, with extreme exposure levels dominating the first half of the year. The months of January to April (UV Index 16 to 11) carry a high risk, requiring individuals to limit sun exposure to just 10 minutes to avoid burns. This trend continues with October and November again presenting extreme conditions, reiterating the importance of sun safety during these months. May and August mark a slight decrease to very high exposure, allowing for a 15-minute burn time, while June and July offer high UV levels, where one can safely enjoy the sun for 25 minutes. As a precaution, both residents and visitors should prioritize sun protection—such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade—especially during high-risk months.
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 |
| Mogapinyana | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 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 |