Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mweka, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With a tropical Aw climate that brings intense sunlight, knowing the UV levels can help you take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. The UV Index peaks around midday, reaching up to 8, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during these hours. By staying informed about local UV levels, residents and visitors can enjoy their time outdoors while minimizing potential risks associated with the sun’s rays.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic pattern, peaking at 8 during the midday hours of 12:00 and 13:00. As the sun rises, values remain low, starting at 1 at 07:00 and climbing gradually to 3 by 09:00. 10:00 marks a significant rise to 5, and as the sun reaches its zenith at 11:00, the index escalates to 7. After hitting the maximum of 8, the UV levels begin to decrease, tapering off to 5 by 15:00 and then dropping to 3 at 16:00. By the evening, the UV Index cools down to 1 by 17:00 and finally falls to 0 after 19:00, indicating a clear transition from high exposure risk to a safer evening environment. Stay sun-safe!
| 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 |
During the year, the UV Index varies significantly, with the highest readings occurring from January to May and again in September to November. The months of January, February, March, April, and November showcase extreme UV levels with indices reaching 14 to 15, suggesting a burn time of just 10 minutes, making these crucial high-risk months for sun exposure. In contrast, although June to August indicates a slightly lower UV Index ranging from 8 to 10 (considered very high), individuals should remain vigilant as the burn time increases to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures during these high-risk periods, including the application of broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to reduce skin damage and the risk of sunburn.
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 |
| Mweka | 14 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 |
| 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 |