Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Mushie, Democratic Republic of the Congo, understanding the UV Index is essential for ensuring your skin's health and protecting against harmful effects of sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching up to 9 during midday hours, it's crucial for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The Aw climate in Mushie brings warm temperatures and ample sunshine, which can lead to increased UV exposure risks, particularly during the hottest hours of the day. Staying aware of the UV Index can help you enjoy the sun safely while minimizing health risks.
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 |
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 |
| Mushie | 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 |