Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kang, Botswana, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in this semi-arid climate characterized by hot summers and dry winters. With peak UV levels reaching 7 around midday, awareness of daily fluctuations in UV exposure can help residents and visitors alike protect themselves from harmful radiation. By staying informed about these levels, you can take effective measures against skin damage and ensure enjoyable outdoor activities under the African sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually ascends, starting from a comfortable 0 at 07:00. By 08:00, it ticks up to 1, indicating minimal UV exposure. The intensity really ramps up by 10:00, reaching 4 as the sun climbs higher in the sky. 11:00 sees the index peak at 6, escalating further to a striking 7 by 12:00 and sustaining that level until 13:00—the most crucial hours for sun safety. A slight decline begins at 14:00, where it drops to 5, and continues to ebb in the late afternoon, hitting 4 at 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index dances back down to 2 by 16:00 and eventually returns to 0, marking the end of the day at 19:00. Stay protected during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring during the winter months. January through April consistently show extreme UV exposure, peaking at 17 in January, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes. May and August transition to very high levels with indices of 8 and 9 respectively, resulting in longer burn times of 15 minutes. In contrast, June and July present a moderate risk with a high category index of 7 and an increased burn time of 25 minutes. As we enter September to November, the UV levels return to the extreme category, urging caution with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Given these findings, it's crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures, such as applying sunscreen and wearing appropriate clothing, especially during the high-risk months of January, February, March, April, September, October, and November. Stay informed and protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays throughout the year.
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 |
| Kang | 17 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 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 |