Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Outapi, Namibia, a place where sun exposure can be intense due to its BSh climate. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 8 during midday, awareness of these measurements is vital for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health. By tracking daily fluctuations in UV intensity, individuals can make informed choices about sun protection, ensuring they enjoy the beautiful Namibian sun while minimizing the risk of skin damage. With the right knowledge, you can embrace the outdoors safely and make the most of Outapi’s vibrant climate.
As the sun rises, the UV Index slowly begins to climb, starting at 0 at 07:00, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. By 08:00, it nudges up to 1, remaining quite low until reaching 2 at 09:00. The real warmth kicks in around 10:00, when the index spikes to 4, signaling a moderate risk. The peak arrives at 12:00 and 13:00, where the UV Index reaches a high of 8, demanding caution for those outdoors. As the afternoon progresses, a gradual decline follows, dropping to 5 at 15:00, and further easing to 3 by 16:00. The evening brings a return to safety with levels at 1 by 17:00 and 18:00, before finally settling back to 0 at 19:00. Keep your sun protection handy during midday when UV levels soar!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant variation, with January through April consistently classified as extreme, exhibiting UV Index values between 16-17 and a burn time of 10 minutes. This trend continues into August, September, and October, where the index again reaches extreme levels, prompting a need for vigilance. The months of May, June, and July show slightly lower yet still hazardous UV levels categorized as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. High-risk months for UV exposure are notably January to April and August to November. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, including wearing UV-protective clothing, utilizing sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to mitigate the risks associated with intense 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 |
| 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 |
| Outapi | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| Oshakati UVI | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |