Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo is essential for everyone looking to protect their skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With startling peaks reaching a UV Index of 13 during midday, awareness of these levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. The tropical climate of Kananga brings not only warmth but also increased exposure risks, particularly during the sun-kissed hours from late morning to early afternoon. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can make informed choices about sun safety and enjoy the vibrant outdoors while minimizing harmful effects.
As the sun rises over the horizon, the UV Index starts low at 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually ramping up to 2 by 8:00 AM. However, by 9:00 AM, it takes a significant leap to 4, with intensity peaking at a notable 13 by 12:00 PM. The midday sun brings the highest risk, striking 11 at 11:00 AM, followed closely by 12 at 1:00 PM. The intensity begins to wane as the afternoon progresses, dipping to 10 at 2:00 PM, then gently declining to 7 by 3:00 PM. As the sun sets, the index drops to 1 by 5:00 PM, and ultimately fades away to 0 after 7:00 PM. It's a day of vibrant sunshine, and while the midday hours call for caution, the gradual descent of UV radiation offers a pleasant evening breeze.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
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.
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 |
| 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 |