Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Bumba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the tropical climate brings its own set of challenges for skin health. With peak UV levels often reaching a high of 13 around midday—indicating an increased risk for sunburn and long-term skin damage—being aware of these fluctuations can empower you to protect yourself effectively. The UV Index varies throughout the day, peaking between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, making it essential to plan outdoor activities accordingly. By knowing when to seek shade or use protective measures, you can enjoy the beautiful Bumba sunshine while keeping your skin safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins a steady ascent, starting at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it leaps to 5, signaling the need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks at 11 by 10:00 AM, reaching its zenith of 13 at both 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, highlighting the importance of seeking shade during these hours. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping to 10 at 1:00 PM and further to 4 by 3:00 PM. After 4:00 PM, the UV exposure significantly decreases, with values returning to 1 at 5:00 PM, and finally settling at 0 by sunset at 6:00 PM. This data underscores the crucial hours for sun safety, particularly between mid-morning and noon.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 5 | 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 | 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 |