Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Ongandjera, Namibia, where the sun's strength can pose significant risks to skin health. With a climate classified as BSh, the area experiences intense sunlight, particularly during midday hours, when UV Index levels peak at 8, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and protect your skin from long-term damage. Whether you're enjoying the outdoors or simply commuting, awareness of UV exposure is key to safeguarding your health in this sun-drenched environment.
The UV Index for the day presents a clear peak between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it reaches a high of 8. This signifies a strong risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during these hours. Starting from a low of 0 at 7 AM, the index gradually increases, hitting 6 by 11 AM. As noon approaches, the sun's intensity compounds, making it crucial to stay protected. By 3 PM, the UV levels begin to decline, dropping back down to 3 at 4 PM, and tapering off as the evening sets in, with a return to 0 by 7 PM. Remember, when the UV Index is high, it’s essential to sunscreen up and seek shade!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 |
| Ongandjera | 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 |