Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the Congo is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the sun's intensity reaching its peak in the mid-afternoon, awareness of UV levels can help residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Mbandaka's tropical climate means consistent exposure to UV radiation, particularly during the hottest hours, where the index can soar to a striking 9. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
During the day, the UV Index (UVI) displayed a dynamic pattern, peaking in the late morning to early afternoon. At 07:00, the UVI started low at 1, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00. The sun's intensity intensified significantly, reaching 4 by 09:00 and soaring to a striking 8 by 11:00, just before it peaked at 9 around 12:00. Despite a slight dip to 8 at 13:00, the UVI remained elevated until 14:00, where it fell to 6. As the afternoon waned, the numbers decreased steadily; by 15:00, it dropped to 3 and continued to decline to 1 at 17:00, before falling to 0 by 18:00 and remaining there through the evening. This data underscores the importance of sun safety measures, particularly during the peak hours when UV radiation is strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest risks occurring primarily in the first half of the year. January through May show extreme UV indices, peaking at 14 in March and April, where a mere 10 minutes of unprotected exposure can lead to burns. As the year progresses, June and July experience a decrease to very high UV levels (indices of 10 and 9, respectively), allowing for slightly longer safe exposure times of 15 minutes. However, August sees a return to extreme indices (11), followed by a gradual decline in September and October with extreme levels resuming at 12 and 13. Moving into the cooler months of November and December, UV levels remain notably high at 12 and 11, emphasizing the need for vigilant sun protection even in winter. Visitors and residents are strongly encouraged to take precautions in high-risk months (especially from January to May) by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of UV-related harms.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Mbandaka | 13 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
| 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 |