Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Maputsoe, Lesotho, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the daily fluctuation of UV levels helps residents and visitors alike make informed choices about sun protection. Given Maputsoe's Cwb climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, the midday sun can pose significant risks, especially when the UV Index peaks at 6 around noon. By staying vigilant about UV exposure, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing potential harm to your skin.
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 |
Throughout the year, seasonal variations in UV Index levels highlight significant high-risk months for sun exposure. From January to April, the UV Index remains at extreme levels (16-13), with a burn time of just 10 minutes—making these the most critical months for sun safety. As the year progresses, May sees a drop to a high category (UV Index 7) with a burn time of 25 minutes, while June offers a moderate level (UV Index 5) allowing for 30 minutes of somewhat safer exposure. However, the UV risk escalates again in July (high, UV Index 6) and August (very high, UV Index 8), where burn times shrink to 25 and 15 minutes, respectively. The fall months, notably September and October, return to extreme indices, coupled with a burn time of 10 minutes. November also presents considerable risk with a UV Index of 14. Finally, December returns to extreme levels. Therefore, visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during periods of high or extreme UV exposure, particularly from January to April and again during September through November, using sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting direct sun exposure 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 | 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 |