Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Bongandanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health in this tropical region. The UV levels can soar during the day, peaking between 10 AM and 1 PM, where values reach as high as 13, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being aware of these levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburn but also reduces long-term risks of skin damage and skin cancer. With Bongandanga's warm, humid climate, it's essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions when the sun is at its strongest. Your skin will thank you!
The UV Index offers a fascinating glimpse into how sunlight intensity changes throughout the day. Starting early at 07:00, it peaks at a modest 2, but by 09:00, it climbs dramatically to 8, signaling the need for sun protection. At 10:00, it reaches an impressive 11, and this intensity remains steady until 12:00, where it hits its maximum of 13. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dipping to 7 by 14:00 and further down to 4 by 15:00. The evening hours show a significant drop, with values falling to 2 at 16:00, 1 at 17:00, and finally hitting 0 by 18:00 and beyond. This data underscores the importance of being vigilant during midday hours when the sun's rays are most potent.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |