Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Kabinda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. Given Kabinda's tropical Aw climate, where the sun shines brightly, especially from late morning to early afternoon, residents and visitors alike must stay informed about peak UV exposure times, particularly when UV Index readings can soar to 10 around noon. By being proactive about UV safety, you can enjoy the beautiful sun-drenched days while safeguarding your skin.
At dawn, the UV Index starts low, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the intensity increases rapidly, reaching 3 by 9:00 AM and soaring to a maximum of 10 at 12:00 PM, making it vital to protect your skin. The afternoon sees a slight dip, with values dropping to 5 by 3:00 PM, before cooling down to 1 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index gently declines to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe time to enjoy outdoor activities without the intense rays of the sun. Remember, the peak UV hours are between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, so plan accordingly to stay safe and sun-smart!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with January through April marked as high-risk months due to an extreme UV Index ranging from 14 to 15 and a burn time as short as 10 minutes. As the year progresses, the index slightly decreases to very high levels in June to August, allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, September to November sees a resurgence in risk with the UV Index again reaching extreme levels. Visitors and residents are advised to take proactive measures against UV exposure year-round, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of sunburn.
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 |
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 |
Kabinda | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 |
Lubumbashi UVI | 16 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 16 |