Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Demba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a tropical climate characterized by intense sun exposure, understanding UV levels can help you take necessary precautions during peak hours. Typically, UV Index values soar to a maximum of 9 around midday, signaling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents can enjoy the sun's benefits while minimizing potential skin damage.
The UV Index today starts off surprisingly low, peaking at a modest 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. As the day progresses towards 9:00 AM, it begins to climb, reaching a noticeable 3. However, the real intensity kicks in around 10:00 AM, as it skyrockets to 6. By 11:00 AM, the index reaches a striking 8, hitting its maximum of 9 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—a prime time for sun exposure. Post midday, the values start to gently decline, dropping to 7 by 2:00 PM, and continuing downwards to 5 at 3:00 PM. As evening sets in, the index dips dramatically, falling back to 1 at 5:00 PM and finally settling to 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s essential to stay protected during those peak hours when the sun’s rays are at their strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 shows significant seasonal variations, with the highest readings occurring from January to April when the index reaches extreme levels of 14 to 15, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. The summer months, particularly June through August, present a somewhat lower UV index of 9, categorized as very high, but the burn time extends to 15 minutes. As autumn approaches, the UV levels elevate again in September and October, returning to extreme values of 12, while November and December also sustain high levels of 13. For both residents and visitors, it's crucial to be vigilant during the high-risk months of January to April and to practice sun safety year-round, especially during peak hours by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade when outdoors.
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 |
| Demba | 14 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 |
| 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 |