Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kikwit, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the climate's tropical characteristics expose individuals to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. Being aware of UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and overall skin health, allowing you to take proactive measures against harmful effects. With a maximum UV Index soaring to 12 during midday, Kikwit poses significant risks for sun exposure, particularly between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. By familiarizing yourself with these UV levels, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoors while protecting your skin from potential damage.
At 07:00, the UV Index begins at a low 1, but as the sun rises higher, it quickly climbs to 3 by 08:00. By 09:00, the intensity spikes to 7, and by 10:00, it reaches a peak of 10. The sun is at its strongest between 11:00 and 12:00, where it holds steady at a striking 12—a clear invitation to seek shade or slather on sunscreen. The UV Index then begins to taper off, dropping to 10 at 13:00, followed by a gentle decline, reaching 4 by 15:00, and further down to 2 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the UV Index falls to 1 at 17:00 and finally to 0 by 18:00 and 19:00, signaling the sun's retreat and a welcome relief from its intensity.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 |
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.
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 |
| 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 |