Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Buta, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays can significantly impact skin health. With a tropical Aw climate, the sun’s intensity can spike sharply during midday hours, peaking at a dangerous UV Index of 14 around noon. This knowledge helps individuals protect themselves against sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV levels. By being aware of these fluctuations, you can enjoy the beautiful weather of Buta while prioritizing your skin’s safety.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00. It gains momentum steadily, reaching an impressive 5 by 09:00. By 10:00, the intensity skyrockets to 9, and from 11:00 to 12:00, it hits peak levels of 12 and 14, respectively, making these hours the most dangerous for unprotected skin. A slight decline follows in the afternoon, with readings of 13 at 13:00 and 10 by 14:00, before tapering off to 7 at 15:00. As the day winds down, UV levels drop significantly, falling to 3 at 16:00, and finally settling back to 1 by 17:00 through 18:00, before fading to 0 by 19:00. It's essential to stay sun-safe during those peak hours!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index varies seasonally, peaking from March to April with values reaching up to 15, categorizing these months as high-risk for sun exposure. From January through October, the UV Index remains consistently in the extreme category, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes for unprotected skin. May and August maintain an index of 14 and 12, respectively, still posing significant risk. By November, the index slightly decreases to 11, and in December, it drops to 10, transitioning to a very high category with a longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these high-risk months by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, especially 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 |
| Kisangani UVI | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 |
| Buta | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| 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 |