Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kabalo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as it provides essential information about the sun's intensity and potential impacts on skin health. High UV levels, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when readings peak—reaching an alarming 12—highlight the importance of sunburn prevention and long-term skin protection. With Kabalo's Aw climate, characterized by its warm and often clear skies, awareness of UV exposure risks is vital for enjoying the outdoors safely and maintaining healthy skin throughout the year. Stay informed, protect yourself, and embrace the beauty of Kabalo while minimizing the harmful effects of UV radiation.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts off gently at 1, making it a great time for morning walkers. By 08:00, it rises to 2, still manageable for outdoor activities. The real intensity kicks in at 09:00, where the UV Index jumps to 5, signaling a need for increased sun protection. 10:00 marks the beginning of peak sun exposure with a UV Index of 8, reaching a dramatic high of 11 at 11:00. As the sun inches towards its zenith, it peaks at 12:00 with a maximum index of 12—a strong reminder to be cautious! The afternoon sees a slight decrease, with 11 at 13:00, followed by a dip to 9 at 14:00. The intensity of the sun gradually fades, dropping to 5 by 15:00, and tapering off to 2 at 16:00. By 17:00, it’s down to 1, and finally, the UV Index relaxes into the evening, hitting 0 by 18:00 and remaining there through 19:00. Remember, the hours around midday are the most potent for UV rays, so prioritize sun safety during those peak times!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |
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 |