Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Maltahohe, Namibia, where the sunny climate can significantly increase the risk of harmful UV exposure. With maximum UV levels peaking at 7 during midday hours, it's crucial to stay informed to effectively prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. The semi-arid climate typical of this region means clear skies and high sun intensity, making it vital to take precautions when enjoying the outdoors. By being aware of UV levels, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience under the Namibian sun.
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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
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 |