Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Bumba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding the levels of ultraviolet radiation can help protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during the peak hours when the UV Index reaches 11, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Given Bumba's tropical climate, residents and visitors alike need to be vigilant about UV exposure, as even a short period in the sun can lead to serious consequences. Staying informed about the UV Index is essential for enjoying the outdoors safely while taking proactive steps to protect your skin health.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic pattern of sunlight intensity. Early risers will notice a gentle start at 07:00 with a UV Index of 1, gradually rising to 3 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index peaks at an intense 11 between 11:00 and 12:00, indicating the need for sun protection during those hours. Following this, the index begins to taper off, dropping back to 9 at 13:00, then descending to 6 at 14:00. By the afternoon, it continues to decline, reaching 4 at 15:00, and finally falling to 1 by 17:00 before the sun sets at 18:00, with a UV index of 0 indicating a safe evening. Be sure to safeguard your skin during the peak hours to enjoy the sunny day safely!
| 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 | 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 shows consistently high values throughout the year, with extreme exposure categories recorded from January to November, where the burn time is notably short at just 10 minutes. The highest readings occur in April with a UV Index of 15 and March with 13, indicating high-risk months for sun exposure. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. In December, while the UV Index drops to 10, it still falls within the very high exposure category, recommending continued sun safety vigilance.
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 |
| Bumba | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| 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 |