Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Maun, Botswana. With its BSh climate, characterized by hot and dry conditions, awareness of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and protect skin health. The UV Index in Maun reaches as high as 8 around midday, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By grasping the importance of these levels, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sunny days while safeguarding your skin against potential damage. Stay informed, and stay protected!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM and remaining low at 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it edges up to 2, but the real intensity kicks in at 10:00 AM with a surge to 4. The peak occurs around 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where it reaches a scorching 8, representing a significant rise in UV exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins its descent, dropping to 6 by 2:00 PM and easing to 4 by 3:00 PM. Before the sun sets, the UV levels taper off quickly, with readings of 2 at 4:00 PM and declining to 0 by 6:00 PM. This hourly data serves as a reminder to stay protected during peak UV hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
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 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest values occurring from January to April, where the UV levels are classified as extreme (UV Index from 14 to 16), resulting in a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from January through April and during the transition months of September to November, where the UV Index remains at extreme levels. May to August see a decrease in the index, categorized as very high (UV Index from 8 to 9), with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions year-round, especially during high-risk months, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during midday when UV rays are strongest.
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 |
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 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |