Last updated: July 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index in Big Bend, Eswatini is crucial for safeguarding your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and overall skin health, allowing you to enjoy the sun while minimizing risks. With a climate characterized as Cfa, Big Bend experiences varied UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at 6 by noon. This highlights the importance of taking protective measures during the sun's most intense hours to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic hourly dance of sun intensity, peaking dramatically around 12:00 PM with a maximum of 6. Early hours from 07:00 AM to 09:00 AM maintain a low level, hovering between 1 and 2, making it a safe time for morning activities. However, as the clock strikes 10:00 AM, the index climbs sharply to 4, indicating the sun is becoming increasingly potent. By 11:00 AM, it reaches 5, urging sun protection measures. The afternoon sees a slight decline, dropping to 3 by 2:00 PM, and further plummeting to 1 by 4:00 PM, signaling that the risk from UV exposure diminishes as the day winds down. Finally, the evening brings a welcomed reprieve with the index falling to 0 after 6:00 PM, inviting everyone to enjoy the cooler hours under the fading sun. Remember to stay safe and protect yourself during the peak 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
14:00 | 3 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with January through March showing extreme levels (UV Index 15-12) and burn times as short as 10 minutes, indicating high risk for overexposure. April and August transition to very high readings (UV Index 9 and 8), with slightly increased burn times of 15 minutes. As summer progresses into June and July, the UV Index moderates to levels between 5 and 6, but the risk remains high (25 minutes burn time) during these months. As fall arrives, September and October return to extreme and very high levels, prompting vigilance with quick burn times. Throughout the year, November and December maintain extreme UV exposure, necessitating continued precautions. Visitors and residents are advised to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, particularly during the high-risk months from January to March and in the late fall months of October and November.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Big Bend | 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 |
Malkerns UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 15 |
Mbabane UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 15 |