Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Kongolo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, awareness of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly in a region where the Aw climate results in significant sun exposure. With peak UV Index levels reaching as high as 10 during midday, residents and visitors alike must recognize when the sun’s rays are most intense—typically from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM—to take necessary precautions and enjoy the outdoors safely. Keep an eye on the UV Index, and protect your skin for a healthier, happier life under the sun!
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 seasonal UV changes indicate that from January to April, the UV Index remains extremely high, ranging from 14 to 15, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Summer months, particularly June and July, show a slightly lower UV Index of 10 but still fall in the very high category, allowing for a 15-minute burn time. As we transition to August through October, the UV Index stays elevated, with values between 11 and 12, maintaining a 10-minute burn time. November and December experience a decrease to a UV Index of 13, yet the risk remains high with a consistent 10-minute burn time. Therefore, it is crucial for visitors and residents alike to be aware that the high-risk months for UV exposure are from January to April and August to November. Protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are strongly advised, particularly during peak sunlight 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 |
| 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 |
| Kongolo | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 |
| Lubumbashi UVI | 16 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 16 |