Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Opuwo, Namibia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive steps against sunburn, which can lead to long-term skin health issues. The region's semi-arid climate brings intense sun during the day, with UV Index values peaking at 8 around noon—high enough to cause skin damage within minutes. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin safe from the sun's harmful rays.
The UV Index reveals an intriguing daily pattern, starting at 0 at 7:00 AM—a gentle reminder that the sun is just waking up. As the hours progress, the index gradually rises: 1 at 8:00 AM, climbing to 2 by 9:00 AM, before hitting peak levels of 8 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This midday intensity underscores the importance of sun protection, particularly when the index reaches its highest point at 12:00 and 1:00 PM. As the afternoon unfolds, it gradually decreases, dipping to 7 by 2:00 PM and continuing its descent to 1 by 5:00 PM, reaching 0 again by 7:00 PM. Whether you’re planning outdoor activities or simply soaking up some rays, this hourly snapshot serves as a useful guide to navigate the sun's intensity throughout the day!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 data indicates that January through March consistently ranks as high-risk months, presenting an extreme exposure category with a UV Index of 16, where skin burn can occur in just 10 minutes. As the year progresses, April sees a slight decrease to a UV Index of 13 but remains in the extreme zone, while May and June drop to very high levels (UV Index 10-8), extending the safe exposure time to 15 minutes. July and August maintain similar conditions before rising again in September (UV Index 13) and October (UV Index 14), both classified as extreme. The year concludes with November at a UV Index of 15 and December returning to 16, emphasizing the need for vigilance against UV exposure. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these months by applying sunscreen regularly, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours.
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 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 |
| Opuwo | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| Oshakati UVI | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |