UV Index in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As the sun rises high in this picturesque region, the UV levels can reach extreme highs, peaking at 12 around noon, making sunburn a significant risk if proper precautions aren’t taken. With a Cfb climate that offers moderate temperatures year-round, it's essential to stay informed about these UV exposure risks to prevent skin damage and enhance your overall well-being. Being aware of the UV Index allows residents and visitors alike to enjoy the vibrant outdoors while prioritizing their skin health.

Hourly UV Index in Goma

At dawn, the UV Index starts low at 1 around 7 AM, gradually rising to 3 by 8 AM. However, from 9 AM, it begins to climb steeply, reaching a peak of 12 at noon, indicating a time for caution and sun protection. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 8 at 2 PM, and further declining to 5 by 3 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index lowers significantly to 2 at 4 PM, then 1 at 5 PM, finally fading to 0 after 6 PM. This fluctuation illustrates a clear pattern of midday sun strength, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to stay vigilant during peak hours.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	6	high	25 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	11	extreme	10 min
12:00	12	extreme	10 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	8	very high	15 min
15:00	5	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Goma

Throughout the year, the UV Index remains significantly high, indicating extreme exposure levels. The highest UV indices occur from January to May, consistently reaching around 15 to 16, which corresponds to a burn time of just 10 minutes. As residents and visitors navigate these months, it's crucial to practice sun safety, especially in the high-risk months of February to April. After this peak, the UV Index gradually decreases but remains substantial, particularly in September to November. Regardless of the month, individuals should prioritize protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the risk of UV exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Goma. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Goma, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Goma UV Index with Other Democratic Republic of the Congo Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Goma compares to other major locations across Democratic Republic of the Congo. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Goma's solar exposure compared to other cities in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Lubumbashi UVI	16	17	15	14	12	10	10	11	12	12	14	16
Goma	15	16	16	16	14	12	11	13	14	13	13	13