Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for the residents of Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense, especially during midday hours. With UV levels peaking at 12 around noon, being aware of these numbers is crucial for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. Bunia's tropical climate brings consistent exposure to UV radiation, with risks rising significantly as the day progresses. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while effectively protecting yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects.
At dawn, the UV Index starts with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually rising to a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index surges, reaching a peak of 12 at both 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a strong need for sun protection during these hours. The intensity wanes in the afternoon, dropping to 8 at 2:00 PM, followed by a steady decline to 5 at 3:00 PM, and further down to 2 by 4:00 PM. As the day concludes, the UV exposure lessens drastically, with values retreating to 1 by 5:00 PM and ultimately dropping to 0 from 6:00 PM onward. This hourly data underscores the importance of midday sun safety practices, as the risk for skin damage is significantly heightened during the peak hours.
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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
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.
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 |
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 |