Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Hukuntsi, Botswana, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. The UV Index provides a clear measure of ultraviolet radiation levels, enabling residents and visitors to take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Hukuntsi's BWh climate means that during peak hours—particularly from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, when the UV Index reaches a maximum of 7—exposure risks are significantly heightened. Understanding these UV levels allows you to enjoy the beautiful Botswana sun while protecting your skin from harm.
As the sun rises and the day unfolds, the UV Index experiences a steady climb. Starting the day at a cool 0 at 07:00, the index rises to a modest 1 by 08:00. By 09:00, it ticks up to 2, signaling that protection is becoming more necessary. The intensity peaks sharply at 12:00 and 13:00, where it reaches its maximum level of 7, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon sun begins to wane, the index gracefully declines, dropping to 5 at 14:00 and 4 by 15:00. The evening brings relief, with levels sinking to 2 by 16:00, further down to 1 at 17:00, and finally returning to 0 as night falls at 19:00. Protecting oneself from the sun becomes crucial during those midday hours to enjoy the beauty of the day safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 fluctuate significantly, with extreme exposure categories dominating from January to April and again in September to November. The months of January, February, March, April, September, October, and November each exhibit a UV index of 13 or higher, marking them as high-risk months where sunburn can occur in 10 minutes or less. From May to August, the UV index decreases slightly, reaching its lowest point of 6 in June and July, though these months still warrant caution, especially in May and August with very high levels, indicating a 15-minute burn time. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, particularly during the spring and fall months, to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Hukuntsi | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| 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 |