Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Otavi, Namibia, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense due to its BSh climate. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, making it essential for outdoor activities and daily life. With peak UV exposure around noon reaching levels as high as 8, it's important to take precautions during the sunniest hours to minimize risks. Whether you're enjoying the vibrant landscapes or engaging in community activities, knowing the UV Index empowers you to stay safe under the Namibian sun.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index paints a vivid picture of sun exposure. At 07:00, the sun is just waking up with a UV Index of 0, then steadily rises to 1 by 08:00. By 09:00, it nudges up to 2, before hitting a moderate 4 at 10:00. The intensity peaks at 12:00 and 13:00, reaching a notable 8, indicating a time when protective measures are crucial. As the afternoon rolls on, the index begins to descend, dropping to 7 at 14:00, then falling further to 5 by 15:00. The sun's strength wanes into the evening, landing at 2 by 16:00, and tapering off to 1 by 17:00 and 18:00. Finally, by 19:00, the index returns to 0, as the sun sets, marking the end of the high UV exposure day. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | 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 |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal variations, with extreme levels persisting from January to April and again in September to November, indicating a high risk of harmful sun exposure during these months. Notably, January and February reach their peak UV Index of 16-17, translating to a burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into May through August, the UV Index drops to very high levels (between 8 and 10), allowing for slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. As summer ends in September, the UV Index spikes back to 13, maintaining the extreme classification through October. Given the high UV exposure during these periods, it is essential for visitors and residents to adopt protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize skin damage.
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 |
| Otavi | 16 | 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 |