Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Oranjemund, Namibia, where the sun's intensity can significantly impact skin health. With a climate characterized as BWk, Oranjemund experiences distinct exposure risks, especially during the midday hours when UV levels peak. Being aware of these levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin protection. On a typical day, UV Index readings can climb to 5 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, highlighting the importance of taking precautions to safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful Namibian sun. Stay informed and protect yourself against harmful rays!
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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 risk months occurring from January to March and in September to November, where indices peak at levels classified as extreme (up to 15), resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes. April sees a transition into very high UV levels, requiring caution, while May marks a decrease to high, allowing longer exposure of 25 minutes. From June to July, conditions moderate to moderate UV levels with safer burn times of 30 minutes. As summer concludes, August again escalates risks to very high. It is crucial for visitors and residents to use sun protection methods during these high-risk periods, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours, to prevent skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oranjemund | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 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 |