Last updated: June 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Thaba-Tseka, Lesotho, as it serves as a key indicator of the sun's intensity and its potential impact on skin health. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, making it essential for everyone living in this Cwb climate zone. With typical midday UV exposure reaching levels of up to 5 during the summer months, it's important to stay vigilant, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the sun's rays are most potent. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the abundant sunshine of Thaba-Tseka while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
Today's UV Index presents an interesting daytime pattern. Early risers at 07:00 will experience a low UV Index of 1, which remains steady until 09:00. As the day unfolds, the index climbs to 3 by 10:00, reaching a peak of 5 from 11:00 to 13:00 — a reminder to take sun safety precautions during midday hours. Post-lunchtime, the UV intensity gradually decreases, dropping to 4 at 14:00 and eventually down to 1 by 16:00. By the time the sun sets, the UV Index falls to 0 at 18:00, making for a safe evening outdoors. Remember, protecting your skin during the peak UV hours is essential for staying safe under the sun!
| 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 | 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 demonstrates significant seasonal changes, with extreme exposure levels peaking in the winter and late fall months. Notably, from January to March and in September, October, and November, the UV Index remains at 16-17, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, May to July sees a decline in UV intensity, transitioning from high to moderate levels, where burn times vary from 25 to 30 minutes. However, August resurfaces with a high UV Index of 8, classified as very high, again reducing burn time to 15 minutes. Given these fluctuations, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures, especially during the high-risk months of April, August, September, October, and November, by wearing adequate sun protection and limiting direct sun exposure during peak hours to prevent skin damage.
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 |
| Thaba-Tseka | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 17 |