Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Bolobo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for your health and well-being. Understanding the daily UV levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and protecting your skin from long-term damage. With Bolobo's tropical climate characterized by high UV exposure, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the index can soar to 8, awareness becomes even more vital. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. As the day unfolds, it climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and 4 by 9:00 AM, signaling an increase in sun intensity. By 10:00 AM, the UV Index hits 6, and it peaks at 8 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with values of 7 and 6 recorded at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, respectively. As the sun begins to set, the UV Index drops back to 3 by 3:00 PM, and continues its descent, reaching 1 at 5:00 PM, before fading to 0 by 6:00 PM. It's a reminder to enjoy the sunshine while taking necessary precautions during those peak UV hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 fluctuate significantly, with the highest risks occurring from January to April when the UV Index reaches extreme levels (13-14) and the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. May sees a slight decrease to an extreme index of 13, while June and July shift to very high levels (8-9) with a burn time increasing to 15 minutes. As summer transitions into fall, August has a still elevated UV Index of 10, before it drops back to extreme levels in September and continues through to November and December. Visitors and residents should take precautions during the high-risk months (January-April and September-November) by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to combat the potential harmful effects of UV radiation.
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 |
| Bolobo | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 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 |