Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Buta, Democratic Republic of the Congo, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the daily fluctuations in UV levels—especially during peak hours where the index can reach as high as 11—empowers residents and visitors to take proactive measures against harmful sun exposure. With a typical Aw climate, Buta experiences warm conditions that can further elevate UV risks, making it essential to stay informed and protected while enjoying the sun. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can safeguard your skin and enjoy outdoor activities safely!
The UV Index throughout the day shows a significant rise in intensity, peaking at 11 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, hitting 10 just before noon. The sun reaches its zenith at 11:00 AM, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities, but caution is warranted as the UV levels become dangerous. By 2:00 PM, the index begins to taper off to 8, and by 3:00 PM, it drops to a more manageable 6. As the afternoon progresses into the evening, the UV levels significantly decrease, returning to a low 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, they fall to 0 after 7:00 PM, indicating a safe end to sun exposure for the day. Remember to take care during the peak hours when UV radiation is at its highest!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 |