Last updated: June 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Kananga, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the climate falls into the Aw zone. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining overall skin health. With maximum UV exposure peaking around midday, reaching a critical level of 9, it’s important for locals and visitors alike to protect themselves during high-risk hours. As Kananga experiences a warm climate, staying vigilant against excessive UV rays can make a significant difference in safeguarding both skin health and overall well-being.
The UV Index today starts off surprisingly low, peaking at a modest 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. As the day progresses towards 9:00 AM, it begins to climb, reaching a noticeable 3. However, the real intensity kicks in around 10:00 AM, as it skyrockets to 6. By 11:00 AM, the index reaches a striking 8, hitting its maximum of 9 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—a prime time for sun exposure. Post midday, the values start to gently decline, dropping to 7 by 2:00 PM, and continuing downwards to 5 at 3:00 PM. As evening sets in, the index dips dramatically, falling back to 1 at 5:00 PM and finally settling to 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s essential to stay protected during those peak hours when the sun’s rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
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 |