Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Francistown, Botswana, where the sun's intensity can significantly impact skin health. Familiarizing yourself with UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. With Francistown’s semi-arid climate (BSh), the risk of high UV exposure peaks between 10 AM and 2 PM, reaching maximum levels of 8 around noon. Being aware of these daily fluctuations enables you to take necessary precautions, ensuring a safer experience in the sun while enjoying all that this vibrant city has to offer.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear pattern, peaking around noon with a maximum value of 8, indicating that sun protection is crucial during this time. Starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index rises steadily, hitting 5 by 10:00. It escalates to its highest point at 12:00, before gradually declining to 7 at 13:00 and then dropping further as the afternoon progresses. By 16:00, the index has decreased to 2, and finally, it settles to 0 by 18:00, meaning minimal risk of harm from sun exposure as daylight fades. For outdoor enthusiasts, the best advice is to stay safe and protect against UV rays, especially around midday!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels in the region exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from January to April, where the UV Index ranges between 12 and 17, all categorized as extreme, with a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. September to December also presents high risk, particularly in September and October when the UV Index remains high, leading to potential burns in just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these high-risk months by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight hours. In contrast, May to July, while still concerning, see a decrease in risk with UV levels classified as very high or high, allowing for slightly longer safe exposure times of 15 to 25 minutes, but caution is still advised.
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 |
| Francistown | 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 |