Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Bongandanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the sun's rays can be deceptively intense, particularly during midday hours. With maximum UV levels reaching up to 11 at midday, awareness of these fluctuations is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. In this typically tropical climate, the UV exposure risks are heightened, making it essential to take protective measures during peak times—from 9 AM to 2 PM—to shield yourself from harmful effects. Stay informed and protect your skin to enjoy the vibrant outdoors of Bongandanga safely!
During the day, the UV Index experiences a dynamic fluctuation. Starting from a calm 1 at 07:00, it rises steadily, peaking at an intense 11 by 11:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the clock hits 12:00, it slightly drops to 10, but remains within the very high range. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dropping to 6 by 14:00, and further down to 3 by 15:00, signaling a safer environment for outdoor activities. As the sun sets, the index plummets to 1 by 16:00 and ultimately reaches 0 by 18:00, leaving a serene evening ahead. Always remember to protect your skin when the UV Index is high!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 |
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 |