Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Kambove, Democratic Republic of the Congo, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike protect themselves against harmful ultraviolet radiation, especially during the peak hours when the index soars to a staggering 12 around noon. With a Cwa climate, Kambove experiences significant exposure to sunlight, making it essential to be vigilant about UV risks. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the vibrant local outdoors while safeguarding your skin's well-being.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic range of solar intensity, peaking at 12 around noon. Starting the day gently, the index registers a low 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually rising to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches 5 by 9:00 AM, then surges to a robust 11 by 11:00 AM, signaling higher caution for outdoor activities. The peak at midday is a daunting 12, urging everyone to seek shade and wear protective gear. The intensity begins to taper off in the afternoon, dropping back to 8 at 2:00 PM and further to 5 by 3:00 PM. By the late afternoon, the index drops significantly to 1 at 5:00 PM and settles at 0 by 6:00 PM, giving a gentle reminder that the sun's might can vary dramatically throughout the day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | 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, there are notable fluctuations in the UV Index, with the highest levels observed from January to March, consistently rated at 16 and categorized as extreme, indicating a rapid burn time of only 10 minutes. April experiences a slight decrease to 14, while May dips to 12; however, both months still fall under the extreme exposure category. The summer months of June and July bring a shift to a very high UV Index of 10, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. As we move into late summer and fall, the UV Index returns to extreme levels in August (11), September (12), October (13), and November (15), with burn times of 10 minutes across these months. December sees another return to extreme at 16. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take caution, particularly during the high-risk months from January to November, by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to reduce the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| 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 |
| Kambove | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |