Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Windhoek, Namibia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against the sun's harmful rays. As a region characterized by a semi-arid climate (BSh), Windhoek experiences high UV levels, particularly during peak hours around noon when values can soar to a maximum of 7. Being aware of the UV Index helps you take proactive measures to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With daily UV exposure risks peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, staying informed allows residents and visitors to enjoy the sun responsibly while minimizing long-term skin damage.
As the day unfolds, UV Index levels rise dramatically, peaking during the midday hours. Starting from a minimal level of 0 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs to 1 by 8:00 AM and reaches 2 by 9:00 AM. The sun's intensity continues to build, hitting 3 at 10:00 AM and soaring to a robust 7 by noon, where it stays steady through 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to decline, falling to 6 at 2:00 PM, and then gradually decreasing to 5 at 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the levels diminish further, registering 3 at 4:00 PM, then slipping to 1 by 5:00 PM and maintaining that level until sunset, concluding the day with a return to 0 by 7:00 PM. This hourly UVI data underscores the importance of sun protection during the peak hours!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | 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 exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest values occurring in the winter months of January (16) and February (17), characterized by an extreme exposure category and a burn time of just 10 minutes. The risk remains elevated through March (14), April (12), and September (12), indicating that October (14) and November (15) also carry extreme risk. May (9) marks a slight decrease to very high exposure, while June (7) and July (7) stabilize at a high risk level, allowing for a longer burn time of 25 minutes. August (10) returns to very high before the gradual decline in UV exposure heading into autumn. Given this data, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions against sun exposure, especially during the high-risk months of winter and early fall. Wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours are strongly advised to mitigate potential skin damage.
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 |
| Windhoek | 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 |