Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Luderitz, Namibia, where the sun can be intense even in the cooler months. With UV levels peaking around midday, awareness of these readings plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and safeguarding overall skin health. Luderitz, located in a semi-arid climate (BWk), experiences significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours. Being informed about the daily UV Index can help you take proactive measures to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from excessive sun exposure.
As the sun rises to greet the day, the UV Index begins at a serene 0 at 07:00, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. By 08:00 and 09:00, it gently warms up to a light 1, suggesting that a little sun protection might be wise. The real shift occurs by 10:00, when the index climbs to 2, signaling a moderate level of UV radiation. The peak is reached at 12:00, with a robust 5, urging everyone to seek shade and wear sunscreen for safety. The afternoon maintains this intensity until 14:00, before tapering off to 3 at 15:00. As the day winds down, the UV levels gradually decrease to 1 by 18:00 and finally return to 0 at 19:00, marking the end of a UV-rich day. Stay smart in the sun!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with January through March and November to December marked by extreme levels (UV Index 14-15) and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are therefore January, February, March, September, October, November, and December when exposure can lead to severe sunburn quickly. Visitors and residents should exercise extreme caution during these periods, seeking shade and wearing protective clothing. As spring approaches, the UV Index gradually decreases to very high levels in April and August, followed by a shift to high in May and July, where burn times increase slightly but still require vigilance. June offers a brief respite at moderate levels, allowing for more extended outdoor activities, though sun safety should still be considered. Whether high or moderate, sun protection is crucial year-round to guard against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luderitz | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| 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 |
| 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 |