UV Index in Botlhapatlou, Botswana

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Botlhapatlou, Botswana, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as it directly impacts skin health and sunburn prevention. Understanding UV levels helps you make informed choices about sun exposure, especially during the peak hours when the index soars. With a BSh climate, Botlhapatlou experiences significant UV exposure risks, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when the index peaks at a striking 8. Staying informed and taking precautions during these critical hours can protect your skin and enhance your well-being under the radiant African sun.

Hourly UV Index in Botlhapatlou

At sunrise, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 07:00, rising gradually as the sun climbs higher. By 09:00, it reaches 3, indicating a moderate level of UV radiation. The heat of the day peaks at 12:00 with a high of 8, suggesting it’s time to seek shade or apply sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the index slightly drops to 7 at 13:00 and continues to decline, settling at 3 by 15:00. As the sun starts to set, the risk diminishing to 1 at 17:00 and finally dropping to 0 by 18:00, signaling a safer time for outdoor activities as the day winds down. Be mindful of the midday sun to protect your skin!

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.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	5	moderate	30 min
11:00	7	high	25 min
12:00	8	very high	15 min
13:00	7	high	25 min
14:00	6	high	25 min
15:00	3	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Botlhapatlou

The UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking at 16 during the winter months of January, February, and December, and remaining high throughout March, April, September, October, and November. High-risk months for UV exposure include January, February, and March, where the extreme exposure category necessitates a mere 10-minute burn time. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible. As the UV Index decreases slightly in June and July, where it falls to 6 and 7 respectively, and then returns to 9 in August, it remains essential to stay vigilant and maintain sun-safety practices year-round.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Botlhapatlou, Botswana

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Botlhapatlou. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Botlhapatlou, 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 Botlhapatlou UV Index with Other Botswana Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Botlhapatlou 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.

Botlhapatlou's solar exposure compared to other cities in Botswana. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Botlhapatlou	16	16	13	11	8	6	7	9	11	14	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