Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Karasburg, Namibia, is crucial for anyone spending time outdoors in this sun-drenched region. As a town situated in a BWh climate zone, Karasburg experiences high UV levels, particularly during midday hours. Being aware of UV levels helps to prevent sunburns and protects skin health, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful Namibian sunshine safely. The peak UV Index here can reach up to 6, which signals the need for protective measures from late morning to early afternoon, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and safeguard their skin against the intense rays.
The UV Index for the day exhibits a clear progression, starting from a minimal level of 0 at 07:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index gradually increases, reaching a moderate 3 by 10:00 and peaking at a healthy level of 6 around 13:00. This midday surge highlights the importance of sun protection, as the UV exposure is at its strongest. Following peak hours, the index sees a notable decline, returning to 3 by 15:00 and tapering off to 1 by 18:00, before dropping back to 0 after sunset at 19:00. Be sure to plan outdoor activities accordingly to enjoy the sun safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during the early months of the year. From January to March, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, peaking at 16 in both February and December, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. April sees a slight decrease to 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. As we move into May through July, the UV Index drops to high, providing longer burn times of 25 to 30 minutes. However, August returns to very high at 8, before ramping back up to extreme levels from September to November. Given this data, visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of January, February, March, September, October, and November, where protective measures against sun exposure are crucial. It is advised to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and limit sun exposure, especially during midday hours when the UV rays are strongest.
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 |
| Karasburg | 15 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 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 |