UV Index in Orapa, Botswana

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Awareness of the UV Index is crucial in Orapa, Botswana, where the BSh climate delivers plenty of sunlight but also poses significant risks for skin health. Understanding UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and protecting your skin against potential damage. During peak hours, especially between 12 PM and 1 PM, the UV Index can soar to 7, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With Orapa’s typical intense sun exposure, staying informed about the UV Index can help you enjoy the outdoors while keeping your skin healthy and safe.

Hourly UV Index in Orapa

The UV Index for the day reveals a significant shift as the sun rises. Starting at a low 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the intensity gradually ramps up, peaking at 7 during 12:00 and 13:00—prime time to protect your skin! As the afternoon progresses, it dips to 5 by 14:00, then descends further to 3 at 15:00. The latter part of the day sees a decline in UV exposure, returning to 1 by 16:00 and eventually dropping to 0 by 18:00 and 19:00. Be mindful of the midday sun; it's wise to wear sunscreen and seek shade when the UV Index is at its highest!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	1	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Orapa

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Orapa, Botswana

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Orapa. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Orapa, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Orapa UV Index with Other Botswana Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Orapa compares to other major locations across Botswana. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Orapa's solar exposure compared to other cities in Botswana. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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