UV Index in Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Last updated: August 1, 2025

In Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With a tropical climate characterized by high UV exposure, knowing the daily UV levels can help residents and visitors alike avoid sunburn and long-term skin damage. The UV Index peeks at 9 during midday, indicating a significant risk for harmful effects from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful Kananga sunshine while prioritizing your skin’s wellbeing.

Hourly UV Index in Kananga

The UV Index data for the day presents a noteworthy pattern of solar intensity. Beginning at 07:00, the index is a low 1, gradually rising to reach 3 by 09:00. A significant increase occurs as the day progresses, peaking sharply at 12:00 and 13:00 with a high of 9, indicating a critical need for sun protection. As the afternoon rolls in, values decrease, dipping back to 5 by 15:00 and further down to 1 by 18:00. The UV Index then drops to 0 by 19:00, emphasizing the importance of being cautious during midday hours when exposure is most intense.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	6	high	25 min
11:00	8	very high	15 min
12:00	10	very high	15 min
13:00	10	very high	15 min
14:00	8	very high	15 min
15:00	5	moderate	30 min
16:00	3	moderate	30 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Kananga

The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, peaking at an extreme level of 15 in March and April, with very high readings continuing into June and July at 9-10. The months of January through May and September through November are particularly high-risk, categorized as extreme, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. During the summer months, while the index lowers slightly, it remains at a very high level, allowing for burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize UV exposure and prevent skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Kananga. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Kananga, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Kananga UV Index with Other Democratic Republic of the Congo Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Kananga compares to other major locations across Democratic Republic of the Congo. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Kananga's solar exposure compared to other cities in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Kananga	14	13	15	15	13	9	9	10	12	12	13	13
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