Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the tropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure throughout the day. With UV levels peaking at 10 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. As Mbandaka experiences high UV risks particularly around midday, being informed about daily fluctuations in UV intensity will help you enjoy the sun safely while minimizing potential damage to your skin. Stay vigilant and keep your skin healthy!
The UV Index records show a dynamic progression throughout the day, starting from a mild level of 1 at 07:00. As the sun rises higher, the index ramps up rapidly, reaching a peak of 10 by 11:00 and holding steady at this level until 12:00. It's during these hours that outdoor enthusiasts should exercise caution and take protective measures against UV exposure. The intensity then begins to wane, dropping to 9 at 13:00 and gradually declining to a moderate level of 3 by 15:00. By late afternoon, the UV Index returns to a safer range, finishing the day at 0 by 19:00. It's clear that from late morning to early afternoon, vigilance is key to enjoying the sunny weather safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 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 |
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 |