Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents of Bukama, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as it plays a crucial role in safeguarding skin health and preventing painful sunburns. With a climate characterized by high temperatures and significant sun exposure, awareness of daily UV levels can help residents make informed decisions about outdoor activities, particularly during peak hours when the index often reaches 9. By keeping an eye on UV risks, Bukama's community can enjoy their beautiful environment while minimizing the adverse effects of prolonged sun exposure.
The UV Index today shows a striking rise and fall throughout the hours, peaking during the midday sun. Starting off low at 07:00 and 08:00 with a calm 1, the intensity ramps up significantly by 09:00, reaching 3. The real intensity kicks in from 10:00, shooting up to 6 and then soaring to an impressive 9 at 12:00 and 13:00. As the afternoon wears on, the index begins to drop, falling to 7 by 14:00, 4 at 15:00, and winding down to 2 by 16:00. By 17:00, it plummets back to 1, with evening hours ending at 19:00 at a notable 0. A clear reminder to stay sun-safe during peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index displays significant variations, with the highest levels observed from January to April, where it consistently reaches 15, categorizing exposure as extreme and necessitating a burn time of only 10 minutes. May marks a slight decrease to an index of 12, but conditions remain extreme. The summer months of June and July see a reduction in the index to 10 and 9, respectively, categorized as very high, with a burn time extended to 15 minutes. In August and September, the UV Index climbs back to 11, returning to the extreme category, while in October, November, and December, it stabilizes at 12 and 14, still in the extreme range. Given these high UV levels, particularly during winter and early spring, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take protective measures against UV radiation, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun 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 |
| Bukama | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 |
| Lubumbashi UVI | 16 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 16 |