Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Bandundu, Democratic Republic of the Congo is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. As the region experiences a tropical climate, sun exposure can lead to high UV levels, particularly during midday hours when the index reaches a peak of 9. Being aware of these UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and minimizing long-term skin damage. With UV exposure risks peaking between 10 AM and 2 PM, staying informed allows you to enjoy the sunny days of Bandundu while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects. Remember, being proactive about UV safety can go a long way in promoting long-term skin health!
The UV Index shows an engaging fluctuation throughout the day, starting from a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, perfect for early risers who enjoy a gentle sun. As the hours progress, the index climbs steadily, reaching its peak at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a striking 9, indicating intense exposure risk. Sun-seekers should take extra precautions during these hours. The intensity begins to wane by 3:00 PM, dropping to 3, and settles back down to 1 by 4:00 PM through 5:00 PM, eventually fading to 0 by 6:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during the midday hours when the sun is at its fiercest.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
During the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, peaking during the early months. From January to May, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, ranging from 13 to 14, with a burn time of just 10 minutes, highlighting the critical need for sun protection. As summer approaches, June and July see a slight decrease to the very high category (UV Index 8-9), extending burn time to 15 minutes, but caution is still essential. August reverts back to 9, while September through December return to the extreme level with a UV Index of 12. Visitors and residents alike should take special care during the high-risk months of January through May and September through December, ensuring they wear adequate sunscreen and protective clothing, and limit direct sun exposure, especially during peak 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 |
| Bandundu | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 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 |