Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Orapa, Botswana, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the daily fluctuations in UV levels is vital, as it plays a key role in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a climate characterized by hot and arid conditions, Orapa experiences significant UV exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when the index peaks at 9—a clear indicator of the need for sun safety measures. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the vibrant outdoor life that this unique region offers while minimizing risks to their skin health.
The UV Index for the day starts off low, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, providing a gentle introduction to sunlight. As the morning progresses, it climbs gradually, peaking at 9 around 12:00, marking the sun's fierce midday intensity. The index remains high at 8 from 11:00 to 13:00, urging outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade and apply sunscreen. However, by the afternoon, the UV Index begins to taper off, declining to 4 at 15:00 and dropping further to 1 by 17:00, before finally hitting 0 in the evening. This fluctuation highlights the importance of being sun-smart, especially during those critical midday hours when UV exposure can be most damaging.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |