Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Mbabane, Eswatini, as it serves as a vital guideline for managing sun exposure and protecting skin health. With the potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage increasing with elevated UV levels, being aware of the daily UV Index can help you safeguard your well-being. Mbabane's temperate climate, characterized by its mild winters and warm summers, brings specific UV exposure risks, particularly during midday hours when levels peak at 6. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while prioritizing your skin's health and safety.
The UV Index starts low in the early morning, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 and 12:00—the perfect time to take precautions if heading outside. By 13:00, it dips slightly to 5, and a more noticeable decline occurs in the afternoon, falling to 2 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops off sharply, reaching 1 by 16:00, and finally 0 past 18:00. It’s clear that midday sun calls for some sun safety measures, but the later hours provide a much more forgiving environment for enjoying the outdoors!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest levels occurring during the extreme exposure months of January, February, March, October, November, and December. These months feature UV Index values between 15 and 16, with very short burn times of just 10 minutes. As spring approaches, April sees a decrease to a very high index of 10, extending the burn time to 15 minutes. In May, the UV Index drops further to 7 (high), allowing for 25 minutes of safe sun exposure. Summer months, particularly June and July, show moderate to high levels of UV radiation, with burn times of 30 and 25 minutes, respectively. As August and September approach, the UV Index rises again to 8 and 10, maintaining a very high exposure category. To protect themselves, residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during these high-risk months, particularly by seeking shade and using sunscreen, especially during the peak UV times.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bend UVI | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| Manzini UVI | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| Nhlangano UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 15 |
| Mbabane | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 15 |
| Malkerns UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 15 |