Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Mushie, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the sun can be both a source of vitality and a risk to skin health. With its tropical Aw climate, Mushie experiences varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at a significant 8 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in long-term skin health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects while enjoying the vibrant outdoor lifestyle Mushie has to offer.
During the morning, the UV Index rises steadily, starting at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM and reaching a peak of 8 by noon. The sun's intensity continues to shine at 8 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, making it essential to protect your skin during these hours. As the afternoon progresses, the index slightly dips to 7 at 1:00 PM and further decreases to 5 at 2:00 PM. By mid-afternoon, the index falls to 3 at 3:00 PM and gradually declines to 1 by 5:00 PM. As daylight fades into evening, the UV Index drops to 0, signaling it's safe to enjoy outdoor activities without sun protection. Remember to stay vigilant during those peak hours!
| 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 | 6 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations, peaking during the early months. From January to May, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, ranging from 13 to 14, with a burn time of just 10 minutes, highlighting the critical need for sun protection. As summer approaches, June and July see a slight decrease to the very high category (UV Index 8-9), extending burn time to 15 minutes, but caution is still essential. August reverts back to 9, while September through December return to the extreme level with a UV Index of 12. Visitors and residents alike should take special care during the high-risk months of January through May and September through December, ensuring they wear adequate sunscreen and protective clothing, and limit direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours.
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 |
| Mushie | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 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 |