Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Likasi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a significant role in reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. Given Likasi's Cwa climate, which includes a substantial portion of the year with intense sunlight, it's essential to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks. With peak UV Index readings soaring as high as 10 around noon, residents and visitors alike should take proactive measures to shield themselves from the sun's harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a compelling narrative of sun exposure, peaking at a staggering 10 at 12:00 PM, indicating a need for caution. As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs from 1 at 7:00 AM to a notable 4 by 9:00 AM. The ascent continues, reaching 9 by 11:00 AM, before hitting its maximum at noon. However, as the afternoon progresses, the intensity wanes, with readings dropping to 7 by 2:00 PM and eventually falling to 1 by 5:00 PM. As twilight approaches, the Index dips to 0 after 6:00 PM, promising safe evening conditions. Engaging with the sun requires awareness; ensure you're protected during those peak 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
During the year, UV Index values remain notably high, particularly in the first part of the year, where months from January to April record an extreme exposure category, maintaining a UV Index of 16, which means a burn time of only 10 minutes. As the year progresses, May to July sees a slight drop to a very high exposure category with a UV Index of 10-12, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes in June and July. The remaining months, from August to December, oscillate between extreme levels again, with the UV Index ranging from 12 to 15. The highest risk months for UV exposure are thus January to April, while visitors and residents should take proper precautions, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during peak hours, to minimize 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 |
| Likasi | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 |