Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Dutlwe, Botswana, as it plays a vital role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's BSh climate, locals face varying UV exposure levels throughout the day, peaking around noon when the index can reach as high as 6. Being aware of these UV levels ensures that you can take necessary precautions to safeguard your skin from harmful rays, especially during the sunniest hours. By staying informed, you can enjoy all that Dutlwe has to offer while minimizing the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
The UV Index forecast showcases a dynamic day ahead, starting off gently in the early morning with values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises higher, we see a gradual increase, peaking at 6 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a need for sun protection during these hours. Particularly, the 11:00 and 12:00 slots mark significant levels, reaching 5 and 6 respectively, suggesting that outdoor activities should be planned with caution. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index dips to 5 at 14:00 and continues to fall, descending to 3 by 15:00. By evening, the UV Index returns to a safer level of 1 by 16:00, and drops to 0 from 18:00 onwards, indicating a soothing end to the day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | 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 |
During the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, highlighting seasonal variations in UV exposure. The highest risk months occur in the winter and late fall, with January, February, March, April, September, October, November, and December all registering as extreme (UV Index 11-16) where burn times can be as short as 10 minutes. Conversely, mid to late spring and summer months show a gradual decrease in risk, but still pose a threat with very high to high exposure levels; notably, May and August have burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during high UV periods, especially from January to April and again in September to November, including wearing protective clothing, broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize skin damage. Always remain vigilant, regardless of the month, as UV rays can penetrate clouds, and skin protection is crucial year-round.
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 |
| Dutlwe | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 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 |