Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Masina, Democratic Republic of the Congo, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin's health and preventing sunburn. With peak UV levels reaching 11 around midday, understanding these fluctuations can help residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun protection. The region's Aw climate typically brings high UV exposure, particularly in the mid-afternoon, making awareness even more vital. Whether you're enjoying the outdoors or participating in daily activities, knowing the UV index empowers you to take necessary precautions and enjoy the sun safely.
The UV Index shows a dramatic rise in intensity as the day unfolds, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it escalates to 5, indicating a moderate level of UV radiation. The peak occurs between 11:00 and 12:00, where the index reaches a blazing 11, signaling a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses to 13:00, it slightly dips to 10 before steadily declining through 14:00 with a value of 7, to a much safer 2 by 16:00. The evening brings relief as the UV Index wanes to 1 by 17:00, effectively diminishing to 0 after 18:00. Remain cautious during the intense hours, particularly around midday, to protect your skin from UV damage!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | 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 |