Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the vibrant town of Bumba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during the peak hours of exposure when the index soars to 11—a significant risk, given Bumba's tropical climate. With the UV Index fluctuating dramatically throughout the day, peaking at 11 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, awareness of these levels allows residents and visitors alike to enjoy the sun responsibly, ensuring that outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable.
The UV Index rises dramatically throughout the morning, with a maximum peak of 11 recorded at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the intensity gradually declines, dropping to 9 by 1:00 PM and then to 6 at 2:00 PM. By late afternoon, UV levels continue to fall, reaching 3 at 3:00 PM and tapering off to 1 by 4:00 PM. Finally, after 5:00 PM, the UV Index dips to 0, signaling a complete reduction in sun exposure risk. It’s essential for sun safety enthusiasts to prioritize outdoor activities during the early hours when UV levels are more manageable, while taking care against the intense midday sun.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 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 |