Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Gobabis, Namibia, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and enhancing your overall health. As a region within the BSh climate zone, Gobabis experiences intense sunlight, especially during peak hours. The UV levels can reach as high as 7 around midday, significantly increasing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about these UV levels, residents and visitors can take proactive measures to protect themselves against harmful UV radiation, ensuring a sunny day out does not lead to painful consequences. Prioritizing UV Index awareness is essential for maintaining your skin's health while enjoying the beautiful climate that Gobabis has to offer.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic and vibrant midday sun. Starting at 07:00, the UV levels are negligible at 0, slowly rising to 1 by 08:00. As the clock ticks towards 10:00, the intensity escalates to 4, reaching its peak at 12:00 with a robust 7. This high level of UV radiation continues until 14:00, when it slightly declines to 6. As the afternoon progresses, it tapers off, dropping to 4 at 15:00, and further decreasing to 2 by 16:00. The evening ushers in a calming effect, with levels settling back to 1 at 17:00 and 18:00, before retreating to 0 by 19:00. This pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection during the daylight hours, especially when the index peaks at midday.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with January through April presenting extreme UV Index values (16 to 12) and burn times as low as 10 minutes, highlighting these months as high-risk periods. The risk remains considerable in September to November, where UV levels are again classified as extreme (14 to 15), emphasizing the need for caution during these months. In contrast, May and August experience very high UV levels, with slightly increased burn times of 15 minutes. June and July present a slight reprieve with high levels and burn times of 25 minutes. It is advisable for both visitors and residents to take proactive measures during the high-risk months of January to April, as well as September to November, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen to minimize UV exposure.
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 |
| Gobabis | 16 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| 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 |