Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Moremi, Botswana, where the sun shines brightly in a semi-arid climate. With this beautifully diverse ecosystem comes the responsibility to protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays. The UV Index not only highlights potential risks for sunburn and skin health but also emphasizes the importance of taking preventive measures throughout the day. Given that midday UV levels can reach a significant 7, it's crucial to be aware of exposure risks and safeguard your skin, especially during peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM. Stay informed and enjoy the beauty of Moremi while keeping your skin healthy!
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 |
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 |
| Moremi | 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 |