Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Windhoek, Namibia, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With sunlight reflecting off the arid environment and high UV levels peaking at 7 during midday, awareness of UV exposure is essential for preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. Windhoek's semi-arid climate means residents and visitors alike face significant sun exposure, particularly between late morning and early afternoon. Keeping an eye on the UV Index not only helps you enjoy the beautiful Namibian sun safely but also promotes better skin health for all.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an intriguing pattern of intensity. Starting off at 0 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually rises, reaching a modest 1 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the UV levels escalate, peaking at a robust 7 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM—marking the most intense exposure period of the day. A gentle decline follows, with the index at 6 at 2:00 PM, then dropping to 4 by 3:00 PM. By the late afternoon, UV levels taper off to 2 at 4:00 PM, before settling at 1 by 5:00 PM and fading to 0 as twilight approaches at 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during midday hours, when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 4 | 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, 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 |