Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Mopipi, Botswana, where the combination of a semi-arid climate and high sun exposure can significantly impact skin health. By being aware of UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. Between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index often peaks at 6 to 7, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. This knowledge empowers you to plan your outdoor activities accordingly, ensuring you enjoy the vibrant landscape of Mopipi while staying safe under the sun.
The UV Index exhibits a dynamic pattern throughout the day, peaking sharply around midday. Starting off mild at 07:00 and 08:00 with a UV Index of 1, exposure remains minimal. However, as the sun climbs, the intensity increases significantly by 09:00, reaching 3, and continues to rise to a notable peak of 7 at 12:00 and 13:00. This indicates a need for sun protection during these hours. By 14:00, the UV Index begins to decline, falling to 5, and subsequently drops further, settling at 1 by 17:00 and finally reaching 0 by 18:00. In summary, the day's UV exposure highlights the importance of vigilance against UV radiation, particularly between 10:00 and 14:00 when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels recorded from January to March (UV Index 16), indicating an extreme risk of sun exposure and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. April sees a slightly lower but still extreme index of 12, while May reduces to a very high index of 9, allowing for 15 minutes of exposure without protection. From June to July, the UV levels drop slightly to 7, categorized as high, permitting up to 25 minutes of sun exposure. As summer ends, August presents a very high UV Index of 10 and a burn time of 15 minutes, followed by a return to extreme levels in September (UV Index 12) and October (UV Index 13) with a burn time of 10 minutes. November and December maintain an extreme classification with an index of 15, again focusing attention on a 10-minute exposure limit. Residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during high-risk months, especially from January to April and again in September to November, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of 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 |
| 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 |
| Mopipi | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Maun UVI | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |