Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as it serves as a daily guide to sun exposure and skin health. High UV levels, particularly between late morning and early afternoon, can significantly increase the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage if proper precautions aren't taken. Kolwezi's Aw climate brings warm, sunny conditions that can elevate UV exposure, making it essential to stay informed about daily index values. By monitoring the UV levels, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful radiation.
At dawn, the UV Index remains low, with a maximum reading of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it safe for early activities. As the sun climbs, the index rapidly increases, peaking at an intense 10 by 12:00—a clear indicator to seek shade and protect your skin. The afternoon brings a slight decline, with 9 at 11:00 and 13:00 before tapering to 7 at 14:00 and 5 by 15:00—ideal for late lunch outings. As the day winds down, the UV levels drop significantly, returning to 1 by 17:00 and lingering at 0 by the evening, marking a safe end to outdoor activities. Stay vigilant and enjoy the outdoors with care during the peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
During the year, the UV Index in this region exhibits remarkably high levels, particularly from January to April where the index ranges from 16 to 14, categorized as extreme, with a rapid burn time of only 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are undoubtedly from January to March, continuing into November and December, where precautions are essential due to the consistently high indexes. As temperatures rise in June and July, the UV Index remains at 10, classified as very high with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should be vigilant during these months, practicing sun safety by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. In August and September, although the index drops slightly to 11 and 12, it still remains in the extreme category, necessitating continued awareness and preventative measures. Overall, throughout the year, individuals are advised to stay informed and protect themselves against harmful UV rays.
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 |
| Lubumbashi UVI | 16 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| Kolwezi | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |