Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kasongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With a typically tropical Aw climate, residents and visitors alike face significant exposure to UV rays, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at 9—indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Knowledge of UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health. Being informed can help you enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risks that come with outdoor activities in this vibrant region.
The UV Index begins its ascent at 07:00 with a low of 1, gradually climbing to a moderate 2 by 08:00. As the day progresses, it soars to a peak of 9 between 12:00 and 13:00, signaling a high risk for unprotected skin. By 14:00, the intensity starts to wane, dropping to 7, and continues to descend through the late afternoon, resting at 4 by 15:00. As the sun moves lower in the sky, the UV levels diminish further, reaching 1 by 17:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. If you're planning outdoor activities, stay cautious around midday when UV exposure is at its highest!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant variations throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring in the first half of the year, peaking at 15 in March and April, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. High-risk months for UV exposure include January through April, as well as August through November, where the index consistently remains at 13 or higher. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during these periods by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize risk of skin damage. In contrast, the summer months of June and July see a slight decrease in risk with a UV Index of 10 and 9, respectively, though caution remains essential. Always stay vigilant and prioritize sun safety to protect against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Kasongo | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 |
| Lubumbashi UVI | 16 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 16 |