Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Okakarara, Namibia, where high levels of ultraviolet radiation can pose significant risks. With a climate classified as BSh, Okakarara experiences a desert-like weather pattern that contributes to intense sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels is essential not just for preventing sunburn but also for safeguarding long-term skin health. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to 8, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely.
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 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal changes, with the most extreme levels occurring from January to April, where the index remains consistently high at 17-14. During these months, the effective burn time is as little as 10 minutes, categorizing them as high-risk periods for UV exposure. May to August sees a slight decrease, with the UV Index ranging from 9 to 10 and a burn time of 15 minutes, but the risk remains categorized as very high. Notably, September to December presents a return to extreme levels with indices between 13-17, maintaining the 10-minute burn time. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures year-round during these high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize harmful 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 |
Okakarara | 17 | 17 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
Oshakati UVI | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |