Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Bolobo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the tropical Aw climate can expose individuals to harmful ultraviolet radiation, particularly during midday hours. Knowing the UV levels each day is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health, helping you enjoy the beautiful Bolobo sun safely. With maximum UV Index values peaking at 9 around noon, it's important to take precautions during the most intense rays to protect yourself from potential skin damage while enjoying the natural beauty of this vibrant region.
The UV Index (UVI) throughout the day presents a compelling narrative of sun intensity. Starting off modestly at 1 at 7:00 AM, the index begins its ascent, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. The real leap occurs by 9:00 AM, when it jumps to 5, hinting at the day's potential for sun exposure. As the clock strikes 10:00 AM, the UVI peaks at 7, and by 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, it maintains a high of 9, signaling a strong risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity gradually declines after this peak, dropping to 8 at 1:00 PM and further decreasing to 6 by 2:00 PM. A rapid descent follows, with values falling to 3 at 3:00 PM, and eventually returning to a low risk zone of 1 by 5:00 PM and 0 by 6:00 PM, where the day fades into twilight. Remember, it’s best to seek shade and protect your skin during those peak 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 | 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 | 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 |