Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Lisala, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the tropical Aw climate can lead to significant sun exposure throughout the year. Being aware of UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health. The UV index in Lisala peaks dramatically, hitting levels as high as 13 during midday, indicating severe risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. With such fluctuating UV levels, it's vital to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin.
The UV Index for today shows a clear pattern of rising intensity, peaking in the late morning and early afternoon. Starting at a gentle 2 at 07:00, the index quickly escalates to a significant 11 by 10:00 and reaches its maximum of 13 at both 11:00 and 12:00. As the sun begins to descend, the UV intensity drops steadily, tapering off to 4 at 15:00, and finally fading to 0 by 19:00. For those spending time outdoors, peak hours between 10:00 and 12:00 warrant attention, highlighting the need for proper sun protection during these crucial moments of the day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 |