Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kopong, Botswana, where the sunny climate and variable UV levels can impact your skin health. With UV levels peaking at a high of 6 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for preventing sunburn and reducing long-term skin damage. In this semi-arid climate, the sun’s intensity can lead to significant exposure risks, especially during the warmer months. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the outdoors safely and protect your skin from harmful rays.
Throughout the day, the UV Index escalates to its peak between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, reaching a high of 6—a clear indicator to stay protected from the sun's rays. Early morning hours see a gentle start, with a maximum 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, gradually rising to 2 by 9:00 AM. As the sun climbs, so does the intensity, spiking to 5 at 11:00 AM and maintaining a steady 6 for the peak hours. Following this brief burst of intensity, the UV Index dwindles swiftly, dropping to 4 by 2:00 PM, then further decreasing to 3 at 3:00 PM, and tapering off to 1 by 4:00 PM. Finally, as daylight fades, the index plummets to 0 by 6:00 PM, marking the end of a vibrant, sunlit day. Remember to stay safe and protect your skin, especially during midday hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | 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 |
| Kopong | 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 |