Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Quthing, Lesotho, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Given the area's Cfb climate, residents and visitors alike should be aware of UV levels, particularly during peak hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when indices can reach 5—an important threshold for sunburn risk. Awareness of these UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. So, whether you’re hiking in the picturesque mountains or simply soaking up the sun, keeping an eye on the UV Index is key to maintaining your skin’s health in Quthing.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 7:00 AM, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 2, suggesting it's time to start thinking about sun protection. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, reaching a high of 5, at which point it's crucial to apply sunscreen and seek shade. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently declines to 4 by 2:00 PM and further down to 2 by 3:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, the risk decreases significantly to 1, before tapering off to 0 after 6:00 PM, signaling a safe window for evening activities. Be mindful of the sun’s strength during the midday 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 experiences notable seasonal variation, with January through March and September to November classified as high-risk months due to extreme exposure levels, where the burn time is as low as 10 minutes. April marks a transition to very high UV levels, while May and June provide moderate exposure risks, with burn times extending to 25 and 30 minutes, respectively. August sees a rise back to very high levels, and the cycle recommences with extreme levels in October and December. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during high-risk months, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues. Always be mindful of the UV Index and adjust outdoor activities accordingly.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quthing | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
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 |