Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Qacha's Nek, Lesotho is essential for protecting your skin and promoting overall health. Being aware of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it a crucial aspect of sun safety. Qacha's Nek, with its Cwb climate, experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, particularly peaking in the late morning and early afternoon when values reach up to 5. By staying informed about these UV levels, residents and visitors can better enjoy the beautiful surroundings while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from the sun.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a notable oscillation in sun exposure. Early morning hours from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM see a mild UV Index of 1, indicating minimal risk. As the sun ascends, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 5 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, marking the day’s highest risk for skin damage. Following this peak, the index tapers off in the afternoon, returning to a manageable 2 by 3:00 PM, before descending to a safe 0 by 6:00 PM. It’s clear that the primary concern for sun safety lies during mid-day; ensure to protect your skin when the UV Index hits its zenith!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 the highest values occurring in the winter and fall months. January, February, and March all see an extreme UV Index of 16, where a mere 10 minutes of exposure can lead to burns. April follows closely with a UV Index of 11, also categorized as extreme. In contrast, during the summer months, particularly June and July, the UV Index drops to 5, indicating a moderate risk. However, August sees a resurgence, with a very high index of 8 and a burn time of only 15 minutes. As the year ends, September through November returns to extreme levels, peaking in December with a UV Index of 17. Given these fluctuations, it is crucial for visitors and residents to remain vigilant, especially from January through April and again in September to December. Always apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade to minimize harmful UV exposure during these high-risk months.
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 |
| Qacha's Nek | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 17 |