Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Masina, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as it plays a vital role in protecting skin health. With a tropical Aw climate, locals face varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking around midday with values reaching 8—an indicator of high risk for sunburn and skin damage. Being aware of these levels not only helps with sunburn prevention but also encourages safer outdoor activities. By staying informed about UV exposure, you can enjoy the vibrant lifestyle of Masina while safeguarding your skin's health.
The UV Index throughout the day displays a dynamic range of intensity, peaking at 8 around noon. Early in the morning, the index starts off low, with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 4, signaling a moderate increase in UV exposure. The day's intensity rises sharply, hitting 6 at 10:00 AM, escalating to its peak of 7 by 11:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index remains high at 8, indicating a strong risk for harm to unprotected skin. Post-peak, the levels begin to decline, dropping to 6 at 2:00 PM, then down to 3 by 3:00 PM. After 4:00 PM, the UV Index further decreases to 2 and finally returns to 1 by 5:00 PM. As the sun sets, the index falls to 0 by 6:00 PM and remains at that level through the evening. This data highlights the importance of sun protection during the peak hours to mitigate UV exposure risks.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 |
During the year, the UV Index exhibits significant fluctuations, particularly peaking in the early months. From January to March, the UV Index remains at an extreme level of 13-14, with a burn time of just 10 minutes, indicating high risk for skin damage. April and May still present extreme conditions (UV Index 12-13), while from June to September, the index drops slightly to 8-10, falling into the very high category and extending the burn time to 15 minutes. As autumn approaches, October to December see a rise back to an extreme UV Index of 12, with a return to a 10-minute burn time. Visitors and residents are urged to take precautions during these high-risk months, especially from January through May and again in October and November, by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure.
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 | 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 |