Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Bethanie, Namibia, where the BWh climate brings about considerable sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, as even short periods of high UV radiation can lead to lasting damage. With typically high UV readings peaking at 6 around noon, it's vital to stay informed and take protective measures against the intense sun, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking up the sun, knowing the UV Index can help you safeguard your skin and enjoy the vibrant Namibian sunshine safely.
The UV Index starts the day at a cool 0 by 7:00 AM, offering a gentle rise in sunlight exposure. As the hours unfold, it gradually climbs to a moderate 5 by 12:00 PM and reaches its peak of 6 at 1:00 PM, a time when sun safety is particularly essential. Afterward, the intensity wanes, dipping back down to 3 by 3:00 PM, offering a more manageable environment for outdoor activities. As the afternoon progresses into the evening, the UV Index retreats to 1 by 5:00 PM, settling back to 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling the end of the peak UV exposure for the day. It's a perfect reminder to enjoy the sun early while staying mindful of its intensity!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with extreme levels recorded from January to April and again during September to November. The high-risk months for sun exposure are January, February, March, April, September, October, November, and December, where the UV Index reaches a peak of 16, indicating an extremely short burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, while May and August have a very high UV Index of 8, allowing for slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes, June and July drop to a high level with burn times extended to 25 minutes due to a UV Index of 6. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions during the high UV months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen to minimize the risk of 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 |
| Bethanie | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 13 | 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 |