UV Index in Kikwit, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Kikwit, Democratic Republic of the Congo, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As the sun's rays intensify, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, understanding the UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Kikwit's Aw climate, characterized by a pronounced wet and dry season, exposes residents to varying UV risks throughout the year. Regularly monitoring the UV Index empowers individuals to take necessary precautions and enjoy the sun safely, fostering a healthier lifestyle.

Hourly UV Index in Kikwit

The UV Index for today showcases a striking peak between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it reaches a high of 9, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index begins to taper off, transitioning to a 5 at 2:00 PM and then dropping further to 3 by 3:00 PM. The late afternoon brings a noticeable decline, finishing off with 1 at 4:00 PM and fading to 0 after 6:00 PM. If you're planning outdoor activities, the optimal time to soak up the sun safely is definitely before noon! Don’t forget your sunscreen during those peak 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	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	7	high	25 min
11:00	9	very high	15 min
12:00	9	very high	15 min
13:00	8	very high	15 min
14:00	5	moderate	30 min
15:00	3	moderate	30 min
16:00	1	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 Kikwit

The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest values observed from January to April, peaking at 15 in April. During these months, the exposure category is categorized as extreme, with a burn time of only 10 minutes for unprotected skin. February, March, and November also register high UV levels, making these months high-risk for UV exposure. By June to August, the UV Index lowers slightly to the very high category, allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. Notably, September and October revert to extreme levels, maintaining a low burn time of 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to prioritize sun protection, particularly during the extreme months, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage.

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

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Kikwit 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.

Kikwit'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 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
Kikwit	14	13	14	15	12	9	8	9	12	12	13	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