Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Palapye, Botswana, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region’s semi-arid climate (BSh), the sun can be particularly intense, especially during mid-day when UV levels peak at a striking 7. Recognizing these UV levels helps residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. Whether you’re enjoying the outdoors or simply going about your day, being aware of the UV Index empowers you to take protective measures against potential risks associated with high sun exposure. Stay informed and protect your skin in the vibrant sun of Palapye!
The UV Index data for the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun exposure. Starting off at a low level, both 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM maintain a mere index of 1, indicating minimal UV radiation. As the sun climbs higher, 9:00 AM sees the index rise to 3, gradually peaking at 12:00 PM with an intense 7, suggesting it's time for sun protection. The afternoon hours show a slight decline, with 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM still holding strong at 6 and 5 respectively. As the day winds down, the index drops sharply after 3:00 PM, falling back to a 1 by 4:00 PM and eventually reaching 0 by 6:00 PM, marking a safe return from the sun's harsh rays. It's a reminder of the importance of sun safety during those midday hours!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | 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 |
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 |
| Palapye | 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 |