Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Siteki, Eswatini, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's Cwa climate, residents and visitors alike should be aware of daily UV exposure risks, particularly during peak sun hours. The UV levels here can reach a maximum of 6 around midday, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and reduce the long-term risks associated with excessive UV radiation. Remember, even on low-index days, taking precautions can safeguard your skin and help ensure a healthier 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 varies significantly throughout the year, with the highest levels typically occurring from January to March, where the index reaches an extreme level of 15 to 12, necessitating a burn time of merely 10 minutes. Following this peak, April experiences a dip to 10 (very high), before dropping further in May to 7 (high), and continuing into the warmer months where June reaches a moderate 5. However, July and August mark a return to high levels of 6 and 7, respectively, before tapering off in September with a very high index of 9. The cycle then resets with another spike from October to December, all classified as extreme again (UV Index 12 to 14). Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions in high-risk months—January, February, March, October, November, and December—to reduce UV exposure, including wearing protective clothing, sunscreen, and limiting time in direct sunlight, especially during peak hours.
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 |
| Siteki | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 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 |