Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Tshikapa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. Understanding UV levels not only helps you prevent painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in reducing long-term skin damage. With Tshikapa's tropical Aw climate characterized by intense sun exposure, particularly from 10 AM to 2 PM, knowing the UV Index can guide you in taking protective measures during peak hours. By staying informed and adjusting your sun protection strategies accordingly, you can enjoy the sun safely while enjoying all that Tshikapa has to offer.
The UV Index reflects a dynamic day of sun exposure, starting off gently with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity builds, peaking at a formidable 9 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, signaling a prime time for sun safety awareness. By 11:00 AM, it reaches 8, emphasizing the importance of protective measures. The intensity then gently wanes, dropping to 7 by 2:00 PM, before declining to 5 at 3:00 PM, and further dimming to 3 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index diminishes significantly, returning to 1 at 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and finally tapering off to 0 by 7:00 PM. This chart highlights the importance of staying vigilant under the sun, particularly during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
During the year, UV levels experience significant seasonal changes, with the highest UV Index recorded from January to April, where the UV Index ranges from 14 to 15, indicating an extreme exposure category and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. The months of September and October also present high risks with a UV Index of 12, categorized as extreme. Conversely, in the summer months of June, July, and August, the UV Index drops to 9, categorized as very high, but still allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, especially during January through April and September through October. Wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours can help minimize 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 |
| Tshikapa | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 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 |