Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Selebi-Phikwe, Botswana is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. High UV levels can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV exposure. With a semi-arid climate (BSh) characterized by hot sunny days, Selebi-Phikwe experiences significant UV risks, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the index peaks at 9. By being aware of the UV Index, residents and visitors can take proactive measures to protect themselves, enjoy the outdoors safely, and maintain healthy skin.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of solar intensity. Starting at a barely noticeable level of 1 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs to 2 by 08:00 and reaches a moderate 3 by 09:00. As the sun rises higher, we see a significant increase, peaking at an impressive 9 at 12:00. This intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, with values dipping to 8 by 13:00 and then falling to 6 at 14:00. By late afternoon, the index continues to decline, settling at 3 by 15:00, 2 at 16:00, and ultimately back to 1 by 17:00. As dusk approaches, the UV exposure diminishes completely, with readings of 0 by 18:00 and beyond, making it clear that sun protection is crucial during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 varies significantly throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring from January to April where the index remains at an extreme 16 to 12, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. September and October also show extreme conditions with indices of 11 and 14 respectively, necessitating similar caution. May and August represent a transitional period with a very high index of 9, allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 15 minutes. The summer months of June and July drop to a high category of 7, permitting a safer 25-minute burn time. Residents and visitors should take special care to protect their skin during the high-risk months of January through April, as well as in September and October, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 | 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 |