Last updated: December 1, 2025
In Kurametsi, Botswana, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburns and other skin-related issues, making it essential for everyone, especially in a region characterized by a semi-arid climate (BSh) that often exposes residents to intense sunlight. With UV Index values peaking at 7 around midday, the risks of overexposure are significant. Therefore, staying informed about daily UV levels can empower you to take necessary precautions, ensuring that you enjoy the sun safely and protect your skin for years to come.
The UV Index data reveals a significant fluctuation in solar intensity throughout the day. Starting at 07:00, the index registers a low 1, indicating minimal risk. As the sun climbs higher, it peaks dramatically at 12:00 with a 7, categorizing it as high. This midday zenith is crucial for outdoor activities; however, caution is advised. The afternoon sees a slight decline, dropping to 3 by 15:00, and eventually receding to 0 after 18:00. Thus, while the early hours offer safe sun exposure, midday warrants protective measures to shield against harmful UV rays.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index fluctuates significantly throughout the year, peaking during the winter months with an extreme exposure category from January to April, when the burn time is as low as 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are January, February, March, April, September, October, November, and December, where the UV Index consistently exceeds 11. As the seasons change, UV levels drop in the summer months of June and July, reaching a high exposure category with burn times extending to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures, especially in the high and extreme months, by wearing adequate sun protection, seeking shade, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term 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 |
| Kurametsi | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 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 |