Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Katima Mulilo, Namibia, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and promoting overall health. With the region's BSh climate exposing residents and visitors to significant UV levels, being aware of these fluctuations can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index can reach as high as 8, indicating an increased risk of harm with unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed about UV levels not only enhances your sun safety but also encourages healthier outdoor activities in this vibrant, sun-soaked locale.
Starting the day with a very low UV Index of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, conditions are safe for outdoor activities. However, as the sun climbs higher, the UV Index rises sharply, reaching 5 by 10:00. The intensity peaks at 8 between 12:00 and 13:00, signaling caution for those venturing outside. From 14:00, the UV Index begins to decline rapidly, dropping to 4 by 15:00 and further decreasing to 2 by 16:00. As the sun sets, protection becomes unnecessary, with the UV Index falling to its minimum of 0 by 18:00, making late evening strolls completely safe. Remember, while the morning invites you to soak up the sun, midday demands more vigilance!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest readings occurring during the winter months. Notably, from January to April, the index remains in the extreme category, peaking at 17 in January, where the burn time is only 10 minutes. As temperatures rise into May and June, the index falls slightly to a very high level of 10 and 8, respectively, allowing for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. The risk remains substantial through July and August before increasing again in September to 12, marking another extreme period alongside October and November, which also show high UV exposure. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months—specifically January to April and September to November—by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and limiting their time in direct sunlight to mitigate the risk of UV-related harm.
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 |
| Katima Mulilo | 17 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 |
| 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 |
| Oshakati UVI | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |