Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Serowe, Botswana is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the sun’s intensity peaking around midday, knowing the UV levels can help you take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Serowe, situated in a semi-arid climate (BSh), experiences significant UV exposure, particularly from late morning to early afternoon, when indices soar to a remarkable 9. By staying informed about the UV Index and taking appropriate measures, you can enjoy the beautiful Botswana sun while minimizing your risk of harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of solar intensity. Starting at a barely noticeable level of 1 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs to 2 by 08:00 and reaches a moderate 3 by 09:00. As the sun rises higher, we see a significant increase, peaking at an impressive 9 at 12:00. This intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, with values dipping to 8 by 13:00 and then falling to 6 at 14:00. By late afternoon, the index continues to decline, settling at 3 by 15:00, 2 at 16:00, and ultimately back to 1 by 17:00. As dusk approaches, the UV exposure diminishes completely, with readings of 0 by 18:00 and beyond, making it clear that sun protection is crucial during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | 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 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest values observed from January to April, where it consistently reaches an extreme level of 16 and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. The risk remains high into September and October, peaking again at 14 during these months, requiring vigilant sun protection. May and August offer slightly reduced UV levels at 9 and 10, classified as very high with burn times of 15 minutes. June and July see a decrease to a high category, with a UV Index of 7 and a burn time of 25 minutes. Given this data, visitors and residents should exercise caution and adopt protective measures, such as sunscreen and protective clothing, especially during high-risk months, which are predominantly the early and late parts of the year. Staying informed about the UV Index can greatly enhance skin safety year-round.
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 |
| Serowe | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 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 |