Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Werda, Botswana, where the BWh climate brings abundant sunshine year-round. High UV levels, especially during midday from 11 AM to 1 PM, can pose significant risks, leading to sunburn and long-term skin damage if proper precautions are not taken. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can better protect your skin and enjoy the outdoors safely. With typical exposure risks peaking at levels 5 and 6, knowledge of these UV trends is essential for maintaining skin health and embracing the beautiful Botswanan sun responsibly.
The UV Index for the day showcased a dramatic rise in intensity as the sun climbed higher, peaking between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a noteworthy 6. Starting the day at a negligible 0 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually increased to 2 by 9:00 AM, making mid-morning the perfect time for a sun-soaked outing. As the clock ticked towards noon, the UV index reached 5, reminding us to take precautions. By 2:00 PM, it slightly dipped to 4 but still required awareness. Afterward, the UV levels began to decline, falling back to 1 by late afternoon and eventually returning to 0 as night approached, indicating a safe time for outdoor activities without the risk of UV exposure. Stay sun-smart!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels observed during the winter months. Notably, January and December have extreme UV Index values of 16, requiring only 10 minutes of exposure for sunburn to occur. February to April also maintain an extreme level, with indices of 15 to 13, while March sees a slight decrease to 13, though still remaining critical. The high-risk months for UV exposure extend from September to November, all categorized as extreme, with burn times of just 10 minutes. However, as summer approaches, UV levels reduce slightly, peaking at very high values of 8 in May and 9 in August, allowing for longer safe exposure times—15 minutes. Residents and visitors should take proactive measures against UV exposure year-round, particularly during the extreme months, by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible to avoid harmful effects of the sun.
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 |
| Werda | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 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 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 |