Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Maltahohe, Namibia, where the BWh climate brings strong sunlight, especially during midday. Keeping track of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, as high exposure times—typically around midday when the index reaches up to 6—can significantly increase the risk of harmful effects. With temperatures soaring and sunlight being abundant, being aware of the UV Index can help you enjoy the beautiful Namibian outdoors while protecting your skin from potential damage. Stay informed and make sun safety a priority!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic pattern, beginning at a very low level of 0 at 7:00 AM. As the sun rises, the index gradually climbs, reaching 1 by 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. A noticeable surge occurs at 10:00 AM, escalating to a moderate level of 3. The intensity peaks during midday, hitting 6 at 12:00 PM and maintaining this high level until 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, there’s a gentle decline: it drops to 5 at 2:00 PM, 4 by 3:00 PM, and further down to 2 by 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index recedes to 1 at both 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, before finally returning to 0 by 7:00 PM. This daily cycle emphasizes the importance of sun safety during peak hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting seasonal changes that warrant attention for both visitors and residents. January to April consistently exhibit an extreme UV Index, peaking at 16 in January and February, indicating a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. March and April follow closely with UV indices of 14 and 12, respectively. After this critical period, May transitions into a very high exposure category with a UV Index of 8 and a burn time of 15 minutes, before gradually decreasing to a high level of 6 in June and 7 in July, where burn times extend to 25 minutes. The UV Index spikes again in September at 12 and reaches 15 in November, both categorized as extreme, while December returns to an index of 16. Key high-risk months are therefore identified as January, February, March, April, September, October, and November. It is crucial for everyone to take precautions during these periods—such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, and seeking shade—to minimize skin damage and protect overall health.
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 |
| Maltahohe | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 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 |