Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Butha-Buthe, Lesotho is crucial for protecting your skin and preventing sunburn. With its Cwb climate characterized by mild temperatures, residents and visitors alike should be aware of the potential for high UV exposure, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when levels can reach up to 6. Recognizing these UV levels aids in planning outdoor activities safely, ensuring that you enjoy the sunny beauty of Butha-Buthe while safeguarding your skin health. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the great outdoors!
The UV Index today showcased a notable increase from the early morning hours, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rose higher in the sky, the index climbed steadily, reaching a significant 6 by 12:00, indicating a peak in UV radiation and the need for sun protection. The afternoon saw a slight decline, with values dropping to 4 at 14:00 and falling further to 2 by 15:00. As the day wound down, the UV index returned to a safer range, ending the day at 0 by 19:00. It’s crucial to stay informed and safeguard your skin during those high UV 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 | 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 |
The UV Index reveals significant seasonal variations in sun exposure, peaking during the early months of the year. January through April consistently shows extreme UV levels, with a burn time of just 10 minutes, making these the highest risk months for sunburn. In May and July, the index is categorized as high, allowing slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes, while June sees a dip to moderate levels with a burn time of 30 minutes. The summer months transition into very high UV in August, where the burn time shortens to 15 minutes. As the year winds down, September through November return to extreme levels, with burn times back to 10 minutes. Finally, December stands out with a UV Index of 17, reinforcing the need for vigilance. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to protect their skin, particularly from January to April and during late September to November, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohale's Hoek UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| Mafeteng UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| Maseru UVI | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| Maputsoe UVI | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| Leribe UVI | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| Butha-Buthe | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 17 |