UV Index in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Last updated: August 1, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's tropical climate, the sun can pose significant risks, especially during peak hours when UV levels soar to dangerous heights, such as a staggering 12 at noon. Being aware of these levels helps in taking necessary precautions to prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage. With Bunia's vibrant outdoor lifestyle, staying informed about UV exposure is essential to enjoy the sun safely while keeping your skin healthy.

Hourly UV Index in Bunia

The UV Index climbs steadily throughout the morning, starting at a mild level of 1 at 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, it reaches a moderate intensity of 3 by 8:00 AM, before surging to a high of 5 by 9:00 AM. The peak intensity is reached at 12:00 PM with an extreme level of 12, indicating a significant risk for unprotected sun exposure. From there, it steadily declines through the afternoon, dropping to 5 at 3:00 PM and falling to 0 by 7:00 PM. This data emphasizes the importance of sun safety during the midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest. Remember to wear sunscreen and protective gear during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	6	high	25 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	very high	15 min
15:00	5	moderate	30 min
16:00	2	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Bunia

Throughout the year, UV Index levels remain consistently high, particularly from January to May, where values peak at 16 in March and maintain extreme exposure categories. This pattern continues into the summer, with UV Indexes around 12 to 14 from June to September. Thus, the high-risk months for UV exposure are March and February, with values of 16 and 15, respectively. To ensure safety, both visitors and residents should take protective measures throughout the year, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during these high-risk months, as burn time remains at just 10 minutes across all months. Staying hydrated and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours is also crucial to minimize the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Bunia. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Bunia, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Bunia UV Index with Other Democratic Republic of the Congo Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Bunia compares to other major locations across Democratic Republic of the Congo. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Bunia's solar exposure compared to other cities in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Lubumbashi UVI	16	17	15	14	12	10	10	11	12	12	14	16
Bunia	14	15	16	15	14	12	12	13	14	13	12	12