Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sehithwa, Botswana is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health in this sun-soaked region. With the climate classified as BSh, residents and visitors alike experience notable fluctuations in UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at an index of 8 from noon to 1 PM. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. As you navigate the sunny streets of Sehithwa, being aware of UV Index values will ensure you enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin against harmful rays.
The UV Index for the day exhibits a notable increase as the sun rises, peaking between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a maximum value of 8, indicating that sunscreen and protective measures are highly recommended. The morning starts off mild, with values of 1 at 7 AM and 8 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 9 AM. As the clock strikes 10 AM, the index rises to 4, marking the onset of higher UV exposure, which continues to escalate to 6 at 11 AM before hitting the peak. After 1 PM, the UV levels drop swiftly, falling to 6 at 2 PM, and declining further to 4 by 3 PM. The evening brings relief as the index dwindles to 2 at 4 PM, and finally settles at 1 by 5 PM, leading to a 0 rating at 6 PM and beyond. It's a day where staying sun-smart is vital around midday, but the evening promises a gentler UV presence.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest readings occurring from January to April, where it ranges from 14 to 16 and is classified as extreme, necessitating a burn time of only 10 minutes. September through November also presents extreme UV levels, with values between 13 and 15 and a similar burn time. Conversely, the summer months of May to August see a decrease, transitioning to very high UV levels from 9 to 10, allowing for slightly longer exposure times of up to 15 to 25 minutes in June. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution during the high-risk months of January through April and September through November by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade as needed to mitigate the risk of skin damage. It is essential to stay informed and prioritise sun safety 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 |
| 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 |
| Sehithwa | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Maun UVI | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |