Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for everyone in Lisala, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the tropical climate offers vibrant sunshine but also carries significant risks of harmful UV exposure. Being aware of UV levels helps individuals prevent sunburn and promotes long-term skin health, making sun safety a priority for locals and visitors alike. Throughout the day, particularly between 10 AM and 1 PM, the UV Index peaks at 11, indicating very high exposure risks. With this awareness, residents can take proactive measures to protect themselves during the sunniest hours, ensuring they enjoy the beautiful weather safely.
From 07:00 to 18:00, the UV Index fluctuates dramatically, peaking at a striking 11 around 11:00 and 12:00, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The day begins with a mild index of 2 at 07:00, gradually rising to 6 by 09:00. The sun's intensity continues to climb, reaching its zenith at 10:00 with a sharp 9. After 12:00, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 3 by 15:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00, signaling a return of safer conditions for outdoor activities. Be sure to protect your skin during those peak hours when the UV Index is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with high-risk months primarily occurring from March to October, where the Index reaches its highest levels. April marks the peak with a UV Index of 15, categorized as extreme, while monthly values of 13 in March, September, and October also pose a considerable, dangerous risk of sunburn in as little as 10 minutes of exposure. January and February maintain an extreme level of 12 with a burn time of 10 minutes as well. As summer approaches, July and November see a slight decrease to 10 and 11, categorized as very high but still warranting caution. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these high UV periods, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun 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 |
| Lisala | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| 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 |