Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Keetmanshoop, Namibia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels enables residents and visitors alike to take the necessary precautions against harmful ultraviolet radiation, especially during the peak hours of sunlight. With a BWh climate, Keetmanshoop experiences intense sunlight that can elevate UV exposure risks, particularly during midday when the UV Index reaches its highest levels of 6. By staying informed about local UV conditions, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from potential damage.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a cozy 0, with the sun gently rising. By 8:00 AM, it barely nudges up to 1, signaling a calm morning. As the day unfolds, the UV radiation intensifies; by 10:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 3. The peak of the day occurs between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where the index soars to a robust 6, urging everyone to embrace sun safety measures. After this midday pinnacle, the index begins its descent: 5 at 2:00 PM, 4 at 3:00 PM, and gradually falls to 2 by 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index winds down, returning to 1 by 6:00 PM and finally settling back at 0 after sunset, marking the end of a UV-rich day. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels display significant seasonal variations, indicating heightened sun exposure risks. The high-risk months, characterized by an extreme exposure category, include January, February, March, April, September, October, November, and December, where the UV Index consistently ranges from 13 to 16, translating to a rapid burn time of 10 minutes. In contrast, May and August present very high levels (UV Index of 8), suggesting a burn time of 15 minutes. June and July offer lower but still considerable high exposure levels (UV Index of 6) with a burn time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents alike should exercise caution, especially during extreme months, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen to mitigate the adverse effects of prolonged UV exposure.
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 |
| Keetmanshoop | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 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 |