Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Tsumeb, Namibia, where the climate falls into the BSh zone, characterized by warm temperatures and ample sunlight. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting overall skin health, especially during peak hours when the UV Index soars as high as 8 at noon. With Tsumeb's typical exposure risks, it's vital to stay informed about daily UV fluctuations and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your skin from harmful effects while enjoying the vibrant outdoor lifestyle the region offers.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic daily pattern, starting from a minimum of 0 at 7:00 AM. As the sun rises, the index slowly climbs, reaching 1 at 8:00 AM and 2 at 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it spikes to a moderate 4, indicating the need for some sun protection. The day's peak arrives at 1:00 PM, where the UV Index hits an impressive 8, highlighting the importance of staying shaded and applying sunscreen. Following this zenith, the index slowly declines, with values of 7 at 2:00 PM and 5 at 3:00 PM, before tapering off to 3 at 4:00 PM. The evening hours bring a return to lower levels, dropping to 1 by 5:00 PM and settling back to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe end to sun exposure for the day.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels reveal significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months primarily occurring from January to April and again in September to November, where the index remains at extreme or very high levels. Specifically, during the first four months, the UV Index consistently reaches 17 to 14, and in September, it spikes back to 13. By contrast, the summer months of May through August present a slight decrease, with indices ranging from 9 to 10. Despite this dip, precautions remain essential, especially as high burn times of 10 to 15 minutes are necessary throughout the year. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade, particularly during peak hours, to mitigate the risks of excessive sun 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 |
Tsumeb | 17 | 17 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Oshakati UVI | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |