Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Businga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. As temperatures soar in this Aw climate, the midday sun can be particularly fierce, with UV levels peaking at 11 around noon. Awareness of UV levels helps you make informed choices to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. With varying UV exposure throughout the day—from a manageable 1 in the early morning to a risky 11 during peak hours—being vigilant about sun protection is essential for everyone in Businga. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!
The UV Index (UVI) throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun exposure. Beginning at 07:00, the index starts modestly at 1, but by 08:00, it gains momentum, reaching 3. The real intensity kicks in around 09:00, with a notable 6, peaking at 11:00 and 12:00 with a maximum UV index of 11, signaling the most hazardous hours for sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses to 13:00, the index begins to decline, dropping back to 9 at this hour. By 14:00, it eases further to 7 and continues its descent, settling at 4 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the readings fall to 2 by 16:00, tapering to a gentle 1 at 17:00, and finally retreating to 0 by 18:00 and 19:00. This journey through the UV Index highlights the importance of sun protection, particularly during those peak hours when it reaches its zenith.
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV levels remain consistently high, with extreme exposure categories dominating from January through October. The highest UV Index occurs in April at 14, followed closely by March and October (both at 13). Notably, the months of January through May and August through September pose the greatest risk with an index of 12 or higher, indicating that visitors and residents should exercise caution. With a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes in the extreme months, it is crucial to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade, especially during midday hours. Even in November and December, when UV levels drop slightly, it remains prudent to stay vigilant, as burn times extend only to 15 minutes in December, still classified as very high.
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 |
| Businga | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 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 |