Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Bukama, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the sun shines brightly in an Aw climate zone. Being aware of the UV levels helps in preventing sunburns and safeguarding your skin health, especially during the peak hours when the UV Index can reach a maximum of 12. With typical daytime exposures peaking around 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, it’s essential to stay informed about potential risks to enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting against harmful UV radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index (UVI) gradually increases, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, indicating it's time to start thinking about sun protection. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00, reaching a striking 12, which signifies a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. This peak continues slightly into the early afternoon, with 11 at 13:00 and 9 at 14:00. However, the UVI quickly decreases, dipping to 5 by 15:00 and dropping further to 1 by 17:00. Finally, by the evening hours, it descends to 0 by 18:00, signaling a safe time to enjoy outdoor activities without the worry of harmful UV radiation. Stay sun-smart!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | 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 |