Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Oranjemund, Namibia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the city's climate categorized as BWk, residents and visitors alike must be vigilant about their exposure to UV radiation, especially during the peak hours of 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM when the index often reaches levels of 4 and 5. By being aware of the UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and enjoy the sun safely. Whether you're basking in Oranjemund's brilliant sunshine or engaging in outdoor activities, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is essential for safeguarding your health.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at 0 at 07:00, offering a safe environment for morning activities. By 08:00 and 09:00, it creeps up to 1, indicating that while the sun is rising, precautions are still minimal. As the day progresses, the sun intensifies—hitting 2 by 10:00 and surging to 5 at both 12:00 and 13:00, the peak hours for UV exposure. It’s the perfect time to apply sunscreen and seek shade if needed. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 4 at 14:00 and gradually descending to 3 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls back to 1 at 17:00, and finally returns to 0 by 18:00 and 19:00, signaling the end of a day marked by fluctuating UV levels that necessitate careful planning for sun exposure.
| 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 | 4 | 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 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 |