Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Demba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the tropical Aw climate can elevate sun exposure risks. With peak UV levels reaching a staggering 13 during midday, being aware of these readings is essential for protecting your skin and preventing painful sunburns. High UV exposure can lead to long-term skin health issues, making it vital for the community to monitor daily fluctuations in UV levels. Stay informed and safeguard your wellbeing by understanding how the sun's rays impact you in Demba!
As the sun rises over the horizon, the UV Index starts low at 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually ramping up to 2 by 8:00 AM. However, by 9:00 AM, it takes a significant leap to 4, with intensity peaking at a notable 13 by 12:00 PM. The midday sun brings the highest risk, striking 11 at 11:00 AM, followed closely by 12 at 1:00 PM. The intensity begins to wane as the afternoon progresses, dipping to 10 at 2:00 PM, then gently declining to 7 by 3:00 PM. As the sun sets, the index drops to 1 by 5:00 PM, and ultimately fades away to 0 after 7:00 PM. It's a day of vibrant sunshine, and while the midday hours call for caution, the gradual descent of UV radiation offers a pleasant evening breeze.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |