Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Kindu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With UV levels peaking between 10 AM and 2 PM, when figures can soar to 12, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant about sun exposure to prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Kindu's tropical climate means it enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, but this also translates to heightened risks of UV exposure. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the sun while protecting yourself effectively.
The UV Index starts off low at 1 around 07:00, gradually rising to a moderate 2 by 08:00. As the sun reaches its peak, the index sharply escalates, hitting 8 at 10:00 and peaking at a striking 12 between 12:00 and 13:00. This intense solar exposure signals a strong need for protection, especially with the index maintaining an elevated 11 at 11:00 before beginning a gradual decline. By 14:00, it drops to 9, then further down to 6 at 15:00, and continues to fall, reaching 1 by 17:00. As the evening approaches, the UV levels taper off to 0 by 19:00, indicating a complete cessation of harmful UV exposure. Stay savvy and prioritize sun safety 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 | 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 |
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 |