Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Lisala, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is essential for safeguarding your skin health and ensuring enjoyable outdoor activities. With peak UV levels often reaching a striking 10 between late morning and early afternoon, being aware of these readings helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. This tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and abundant sunlight, poses unique risks, making it crucial for residents and visitors alike to monitor UV exposure daily. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can make smarter choices about sun protection, helping to keep your skin safe in Lisala's sun-drenched environment.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a compelling pattern in sun exposure. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, the index begins to climb, reaching 3 by 8:00 AM. The sun’s intensity peaks impressively at 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, both showing a strong 10, signaling a high risk for sunburn. As the afternoon unfolds, a gradual decline occurs; UV levels drop to 9 at 1:00 PM, then taper off to 6 by 2:00 PM, and continue descending until falling to 0 by 7:00 PM. With the UV intensity fluctuating significantly, it’s crucial to stay protected during the peak hours for safe outdoor activities.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | 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 |