UV Index in Gaborone, Botswana

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Gaborone, Botswana, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. With Gaborone's BSh climate, characterized by warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, it's vital to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks. For instance, during peak hours, the UV Index can soar as high as 8, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying vigilant about UV levels, you can enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin.

Hourly UV Index in Gaborone

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!

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.
TimeUVICategoryTime to Burn
07:001low45 min
08:001low45 min
09:003moderate30 min
10:005moderate30 min
11:007high25 min
12:008very high15 min
13:007high25 min
14:005moderate30 min
15:003moderate30 min
16:002low45 min
17:001low45 min
18:000low45 min
19:000low45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Gaborone

The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels recorded in the winter and early spring months. From January to April, the UV Index peaks at an extreme level of 16 to 11, necessitating only 10 minutes of exposure before burning occurs. Following this, the index decreases to 8 in May and 6 in June and July, indicating a shift to a very high and high risk. August sees a rise again to 9, before returning to extreme levels of 11 to 16 in the fall and winter months from September to December. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, particularly from January to April and again in September to November, where the UV risk is at its highest. It’s crucial to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during these months to prevent skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Gaborone, Botswana

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Gaborone. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec16151311866911131416
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Gaborone, 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 Gaborone UV Index with Other Botswana Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Gaborone 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.
Gaborone's solar exposure compared to other cities in Botswana. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Gaborone16151311866911131416
Molepolole UVI16151311866911131416
Selebi-Phikwe UVI16151312977911141415
Francistown UVI171614129771011141415
Maun UVI161514129881012131515