Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Okahandja, Namibia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the levels of ultraviolet radiation can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in this BWh climate, known for its warm, sunny days. With peak UV exposure reaching up to 7 between noon and 1 PM, it’s essential to adopt sun safety practices, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, to enjoy the beautiful outdoors without compromising your skin health. Stay vigilant and know when to seek shade to keep your skin safe under the Namibian sun!
The UV Index throughout the day presents an intriguing pattern of intensity. Starting off at 0 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually rises, reaching a modest 1 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the UV levels escalate, peaking at a robust 7 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM—marking the most intense exposure period of the day. A gentle decline follows, with the index at 6 at 2:00 PM, then dropping to 4 by 3:00 PM. By the late afternoon, UV levels taper off to 2 at 4:00 PM, before settling at 1 by 5:00 PM and fading to 0 as twilight approaches at 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during midday hours, when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
| Windhoek UVI | 16 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| Okahandja | 16 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 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 |