Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Orapa, Botswana, where the high levels of ultraviolet radiation can pose serious risks to skin health. With a BSh climate that includes intense sun exposure, being aware of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. As the midday sun peaks with a UV Index of 7, it’s essential to take proactive measures to protect your skin, especially during those hours when exposure is the highest. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply spending time outside, knowing the UV Index can make a significant difference in your sun safety routine.
The UV Index for the day begins gently, with low levels of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, suggesting a safe start for outdoor activities. As the sun climbs higher, the index takes a notable leap, reaching 5 by 10:00 and peaking at 7 during the noon to early afternoon hours (12:00 to 13:00). This period marks the highest risk for sun exposure, making it crucial to seek shade and wear sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, settling back to 2 by 16:00 and dropping to 0 after 18:00, indicating a much safer evening for outdoor plans. Keep this data in mind to maximize enjoyment while minimizing skin exposure to harmful rays!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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, the UV Index reflects significant seasonal changes that highlight periods of increased sun exposure risk. The highest risk months for UV exposure are from January to March, where the UV Index reaches an extreme 16, necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring progresses into summer, the UV Index begins to decrease, with June and July showing a high exposure category at 7, allowing for slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes. However, August ramps back up to a very high level of 10. The trend shifts again into autumn, where September maintains an extreme category with a UV Index of 11, and notable peaks return in the final months of the year, particularly November (UV Index 15). Given these fluctuations, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautionary measures during peak months, wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen, especially during the extreme UV Index periods.
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 |
| Orapa | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 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 |