Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Bongandanga, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the climate is characterized by its tropical conditions. Awareness of UV levels helps you protect your skin from harmful rays that can lead to sunburn and long-term health issues, such as skin cancer. With the UV Index peaking at 10 around midday, it is essential to take precautions during the height of the sun's intensity to ensure your skin remains healthy. In Bongandanga, typical exposure risks are heightened due to the region's vibrant sun, making it vital to stay informed and sun-smart throughout the day.
The UV Index data reveals a fascinating daily cycle of sun exposure. Starting at 07:00, the index is a comfortable 1, perfect for early risers. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches 3 by 08:00, gradually increasing to a peak of 10 at 12:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this zenith, the index starts to decline, dropping to 8 by 13:00, 6 at 14:00, and then into safer territory, settling at 3 by 15:00. The late afternoon brings a gentle decrease, with values falling back to 1 by 16:00 and remaining at that level until 17:00. By 18:00, the UV Index is at 0, signaling it's time to enjoy the shade or head indoors, as sunlight's intensity wanes.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | 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 |
The UV Index in this region exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest readings occurring from January to April, where it reaches an extreme level of 12 to 14 and a consistent burn time of just 10 minutes. March and April stand out as particularly high-risk months, given their UV Index of 13 and 14, respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during these months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when outdoors. As summer progresses into July and August, the UV Index slightly decreases to 10 and 11, transitioning to a very high and extreme exposure category with increased burn time of 15 minutes in July. Post-summer, the UV Index remains elevated in September and October, making skincare a priority as the burn time returns to 10 minutes. In the cooler months of November and December, while the index decreases slightly, caution should still be exercised as readings remain in the extreme range. Overall, vigilance year-round is essential to protect against harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Bongandanga | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 |
| 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 |