Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Watsa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. Watsa’s tropical climate often exposes residents and visitors to heightened UV radiation, particularly during midday when the index peaks at a staggering 12. With such high UV exposure risks, staying informed about daily UV levels is essential for safe outdoor activities and maintaining healthy skin.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises sharply, starting from a calm 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to a moderate 3, making it a good time for early risers to enjoy the outdoors. The sun takes center stage by 09:00, reaching 6, and peaks dramatically at 11:00 and 12:00 with a remarkable 12—a clear indication to seek shade or apply sunscreen during these hours. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity gradually reduces, descending to 8 by 14:00 and further down to 5 by 15:00. By late afternoon, the UV rays mellow to 2 at 16:00 and again drop to 1 by 17:00, rendering the evening safer for outdoor activities. The UV Index finally settles at 0 by 19:00, wrapping up the day with a gentle farewell from the sun. Stay protected during the peak hours and enjoy the outdoors safely!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index consistently reflects extreme levels of solar radiation exposure, particularly high from January to April, peaking at 16 in April. This period represents the highest risk months for sunburn, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Although the UV Index slightly decreases to 12-14 in the following months, June through November, it remains critical for visitors and residents alike to take preventative measures. To safeguard against skin damage, it's advised to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen diligently, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV exposure is most intense. Staying informed and vigilant will help ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
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 |
| Watsa | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| Lubumbashi UVI | 16 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 16 |