Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Boma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the Aw climate brings both lush greenery and intense sun exposure. With UV levels peaking around midday, awareness of these readings can help you prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. As temperatures rise, knowledge of the UV Index can empower you to take precautions during the highest risk hours, ensuring you enjoy sunny days safely while minimizing potential harm from UV radiation.
The UV Index today showcases a dramatic rise in solar intensity as the day progresses. Beginning with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually ascends to reach a peak of 9 by noon, marking the sun's intensity at its strongest. From there, it starts to taper off, dropping to 6 by 2:00 PM and further declining to 1 as the evening approaches. For anyone venturing outdoors, the window between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM demands attention, as the UV levels are at their most intense and protective measures are highly recommended. As the sun sets, the index returns to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a reassuring end to the day’s exposure.
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 | 9 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant changes throughout the year, with the highest levels reported from January to May, where it reaches extreme levels between 12 and 15, leading to a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. March stands out as the peak month with a UV Index of 15. While UV exposure reduces in June to August, it still falls within the very high category, resulting in a burn time of 15 minutes. September to November revert back to extreme levels, with a UV Index consistently around 13, and a burn time of 10 minutes. To protect against harmful UV radiation, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to be particularly cautious during high-risk months (January to May and September to November), wearing adequate sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, and minimizing sun exposure during peak 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 |
Boma | 14 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
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 |