Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Henties Bay, Namibia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's BWh climate, characterized by clear skies and intense sun exposure, understanding daily UV levels can help you plan outdoor activities safely. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can reach a high of 7, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed, you can enjoy the stunning coastal scenery while effectively protecting yourself against harmful UV rays.
The UV Index data paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting from a low of 0 at 7:00 AM, the UV levels begin to rise gradually. By 10:00 AM, it reaches a moderate level of 3, but the real surge occurs around noon, when it peaks at a high of 6. This intensity continues to climb, hitting its maximum at 1:00 PM with a UVI of 7, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dropping to 4 at 3:00 PM, then back to a minimal level of 1 by 5:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV Index dwindles, returning to 0 by 7:00 PM, marking the day's end for UV exposure. Make sure to protect your skin during the peak hours of the day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest values recorded during the winter months and early spring. January, February, March, and April all fall into the extreme exposure category (UV Index 16-13), with a burn time of just 10 minutes, highlighting these as high-risk months for sun exposure. As spring transitions into summer, the UV Index decreases slightly, with values of 9 in May and August (categorized as very high) and a burn time of 15 minutes, while June and July maintain a high category at UV Index 7 and 25 minutes burn time. As summer ends, the risk escalates again in September and October, returning to the extreme level. For residents and visitors, this underscores the importance of sun protection year-round, especially during high-risk months: apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swakopmund UVI | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| Walvis Bay UVI | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| Henties Bay | 16 | 16 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Windhoek UVI | 16 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| Rundu UVI | 17 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 |
| Oshakati UVI | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |