Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Kalemie, Democratic Republic of the Congo, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the tropical Aw climate, residents and visitors experience significant UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at a high of 10 between noon and 1 PM. Being aware of these levels not only helps in making informed choices about sun protection but also plays a vital role in safeguarding against long-term skin damage. Embrace the sun wisely, and stay informed about the UV risks that come with Kalemie’s radiant climate!
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 | 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 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk of harmful exposure occurring from January to April when the index reaches an extreme level of 15 to 16. These months demand immediate protective measures, as the burn time is only 10 minutes. As summer approaches, from June to July, the index decreases slightly to 10, categorized as very high, with a burn time extending to 15 minutes. August resurges with an index of 12, reverting to extreme levels, while September, October, and November maintain a similar high risk of 12 to 13. Finally, in December, the UV index again hits 14, requiring caution. Visitors and residents are advised to take proactive steps to protect their skin, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially during these high-risk months.
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 |
Lubumbashi UVI | 16 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
Kalemie | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 14 |