Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Opuwo, Namibia, is crucial for protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. With high UV levels typically peaking around midday, awareness of daily UV fluctuations can help you prevent sunburn and ensure long-term skin health. Opuwo's semi-arid climate, characterized by intense sun exposure, means that locals and visitors alike should be vigilant about UV risks, particularly during the hours when the index rises to alarming levels of 7 and 8. Being informed not only safeguards your skin but also enhances your enjoyment of the beautiful Namibian landscape under the brilliant sun.
The UV Index for today reveals an interesting progression throughout the hours. Beginning at a low of 0 at 7:00 AM, it's a safe start for morning activities. As the sun rises, the index gradually climbs, reaching 1 by 8:00 AM and maintaining this low level until 10:00 AM, when it jumps to a moderate 3. The real surge occurs between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, peaking at an intense 8 during the peak afternoon hours. This is when sun safety becomes paramount! After that, the UV Index begins its descent, dropping to 6 at 3:00 PM, then further to 4 by 4:00 PM, before tapering off to a much safer 1 by 6:00 PM and returning to 0 by 7:00 PM. Be mindful of peak UV exposure in the early afternoon, and remember to protect your skin during those hours!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | 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 |