Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Otjimbingwe, Namibia, being aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin against the powerful sun. Understanding the daily UV levels is crucial not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for promoting overall skin health in the face of prolonged exposure. Nestled in a BWh climate zone, Otjimbingwe experiences high UV exposure, particularly around midday when values can soar as high as 7, indicating a need for caution. Stay informed and protect yourself while enjoying the sunny outdoor activities that this vibrant region has to offer!
The UV Index throughout the day paints a clear picture of solar intensity, beginning with a gentle 0 at 7 AM and rising steadily as the morning unfolds. By 10 AM, it climbs to a moderate 3, and at 11 AM, it hits 5, signaling the need for some sun protection. The sun reaches its apex at 12 PM and 1 PM, with a peak UV Index of 7, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually decreases, dipping back to 5 by 3 PM, and falling further to 1 by 5 PM. By 7 PM, the UV Index returns to 0, marking a safe end to the sun-filled day. Remember to stay sun-safe during those peak hours!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 variations, with the highest values occurring in the winter months of January (16) and February (17), characterized by an extreme exposure category and a burn time of just 10 minutes. The risk remains elevated through March (14), April (12), and September (12), indicating that October (14) and November (15) also carry extreme risk. May (9) marks a slight decrease to very high exposure, while June (7) and July (7) stabilize at a high risk level, allowing for a longer burn time of 25 minutes. August (10) returns to very high before the gradual decline in UV exposure heading into autumn. Given this data, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions against sun exposure, especially during the high-risk months of winter and early fall. Wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours are strongly advised to mitigate potential skin damage.
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 |
| Otjimbingwe | 16 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 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 |