Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Kasangulu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for ensuring sun safety and protecting skin health. Understanding the daily UV levels can help residents and visitors alike to prevent sunburn and reduce the long-term risks of skin damage. With a typical Aw climate featuring warm temperatures year-round, UV exposure can peak significantly during midday hours, hitting levels as high as 8 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Being informed about these fluctuating UV rays empowers the community to enjoy the sun safely while taking the necessary precautions to safeguard their skin.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. As the day unfolds, it climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and 4 by 9:00 AM, signaling an increase in sun intensity. By 10:00 AM, the UV Index hits 6, and it peaks at 8 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with values of 7 and 6 recorded at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, respectively. As the sun begins to set, the UV Index drops back to 3 by 3:00 PM, and continues its descent, reaching 1 at 5:00 PM, before fading to 0 by 6:00 PM. It's a reminder to enjoy the sunshine while taking necessary precautions during those peak UV hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with extreme levels noted from January to April and during October to November, indicating high-risk months for skin damage with a burn time of just 10 minutes during these periods. March has the peak UV Index at 14, making it particularly hazardous. From May to September, the UV Index remains very high, though slightly less intense, especially in June and July, where the burn time increases to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions during these high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kasangulu | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 |
| Kinshasa UVI | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 |
| Masina UVI | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Kisangani UVI | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 |
| Mbuji-Mayi UVI | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 |
| Lubumbashi UVI | 16 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 16 |