Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Khudumelapye, Botswana, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and promoting overall skin health, especially given the area's BSh climate which often features intense sunlight. With peak UV Index values reaching as high as 8 between noon and 1 PM, residents and visitors must be vigilant. By staying informed about daily UV exposure risks, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Khudumelapye while protecting yourself from the sun's potential dangers.
At dawn, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher, a notable increase occurs, reaching 3 at 09:00 and escalating dramatically to a maximum of 8 from 12:00 to 13:00. This midday surge indicates a higher risk for sun exposure, making it essential to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. The intensity then gradually declines, dropping to 4 by 15:00, and continuing its descent to 0 by 19:00, marking the end of the sun’s peak influence for the day. Stay mindful of these hourly fluctuations to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
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 |
| Khudumelapye | 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 |