Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Kabalo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against the sun's harmful rays. With a tropical Aw climate, residents face varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking at a high of 10 between noon and 1 PM. Recognizing these UV levels is essential not just for preventing sunburn, but also for maintaining long-term skin health. As daily activities unfold in the warm sunlight, heightened UV exposure can elevate the risks of skin damage. Being informed empowers you to enjoy the sunshine responsibly and protect yourself effectively.
The UV Index starts off low in the early morning hours, with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM. As the day progresses, the sun's intensity increases, peaking sharply at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a staggering 10. From this zenith, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 7 by 2:00 PM and subsequently falling to 0 by 7:00 PM. The sun's journey clearly highlights the need for sun protection during the midday hours when UV exposure is most intense, making it essential to be vigilant from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 January through April marked as high-risk months due to an extreme UV Index ranging from 14 to 15 and a burn time as short as 10 minutes. As the year progresses, the index slightly decreases to very high levels in June to August, allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, September to November sees a resurgence in risk with the UV Index again reaching extreme levels. Visitors and residents are advised to take proactive measures against UV exposure year-round, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of sunburn.
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 |
Kabalo | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 |
Lubumbashi UVI | 16 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 16 |