Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mogoditshane, Botswana, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health, as it provides essential insights into the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. In this region, known for its semi-arid climate (BSh), UV levels can spike significantly, reaching a maximum of 8 at midday, which heightens the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Being aware of these fluctuations not only helps in prevention of sunburn but also promotes proactive measures for skin protection. With the sun's rays posing a notable threat, especially during peak hours, staying informed about the UV Index is your best defense against harmful exposure in this vibrant community.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear pattern, peaking around noon with a maximum value of 8, indicating that sun protection is crucial during this time. Starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index rises steadily, hitting 5 by 10:00. It escalates to its highest point at 12:00, before gradually declining to 7 at 13:00 and then dropping further as the afternoon progresses. By 16:00, the index has decreased to 2, and finally, it settles to 0 by 18:00, meaning minimal risk of harm from sun exposure as daylight fades. For outdoor enthusiasts, the best advice is to stay safe and protect against UV rays, especially around midday!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels recorded in the winter and early spring months. From January to April, the UV Index peaks at an extreme level of 16 to 11, necessitating only 10 minutes of exposure before burning occurs. Following this, the index decreases to 8 in May and 6 in June and July, indicating a shift to a very high and high risk. August sees a rise again to 9, before returning to extreme levels of 11 to 16 in the fall and winter months from September to December. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, particularly from January to April and again in September to November, where the UV risk is at its highest. It’s crucial to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during these months to prevent 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 |
| Mogoditshane | 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 |
| 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 |