Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kindu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is vital for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its Aw climate, characterized by a distinct wet and dry season, residents and visitors should be aware of the varying UV levels throughout the day. The UV Index can peak at a high of 9 around midday, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, including painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can make smarter choices about sun protection, ensuring fun and safe outdoor experiences in this vibrant region.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it ticks up to 2, gradually warming up for the day ahead. The midday sun peaks sharply, with a striking 9 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, making these hours the perfect time to take extra precautions against harmful rays. By 2:00 PM, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 7, and further down to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon fades, the UV Index slips to 2 at 4:00 PM and then wanes to a gentle 1 after 5:00 PM. Finally, it dwindles to 0 by the time evening sets in at 7:00 PM, marking the end of a day defined by fluctuating sun exposure. Remember, these numbers serve as a reminder to protect your skin 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the earlier months. January through April shows an extreme UV Index of 13-14, with a consistent burn time of just 10 minutes, highlighting these months as high-risk periods for sun exposure. May continues this trend with a UV Index of 13, but by June, it slightly decreases to 11, marking a transition to less extreme conditions. The UV Index lowers further in July (9, very high) with a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes, before climbing back to extreme levels of 12 in August, and consistently remaining at 12-13 from September through December. Given these insights, visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during the high-risk months, particularly from January to April, always applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours to mitigate harmful effects.
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 |
| Kindu | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Lubumbashi UVI | 16 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 16 |