UV Index in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With its tropical climate, Kinshasa experiences high UV levels, particularly from 10 AM to 1 PM, where values can reach up to 8. Understanding these UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburn but also for reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions against the sun’s rays, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoors of Kinshasa while keeping your skin safe and healthy.

Hourly UV Index in Kinshasa

At dawn, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. As the day unfolds, it climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and 4 by 9:00 AM, signaling an increase in sun intensity. By 10:00 AM, the UV Index hits 6, and it peaks at 8 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with values of 7 and 6 recorded at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, respectively. As the sun begins to set, the UV Index drops back to 3 by 3:00 PM, and continues its descent, reaching 1 at 5:00 PM, before fading to 0 by 6:00 PM. It's a reminder to enjoy the sunshine while taking necessary precautions during those peak UV hours!

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	2	low	45 min
09:00	4	moderate	30 min
10:00	6	high	25 min
11:00	8	very high	15 min
12:00	8	very high	15 min
13:00	7	high	25 min
14:00	6	high	25 min
15:00	3	moderate	30 min
16:00	2	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Kinshasa

The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with extreme levels noted from January to April and during October to November, indicating high-risk months for skin damage with a burn time of just 10 minutes during these periods. March has the peak UV Index at 14, making it particularly hazardous. From May to September, the UV Index remains very high, though slightly less intense, especially in June and July, where the burn time increases to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions during these high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure.

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

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Kinshasa. 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 Kinshasa, 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 Kinshasa UV Index with Other Democratic Republic of the Congo Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Kinshasa 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.

Kinshasa'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	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
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