Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Gbadolite, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the combination of its Aw climate and solar exposure can significantly impact skin health. With UV levels peaking at 12 during midday hours, this knowledge can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. By keeping track of daily UV fluctuations—ranging from moderate levels in the early morning to extreme levels at noon—you can make informed choices about sun protection and enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle of Gbadolite safely.
The UV Index displays a dynamic range throughout the day, peaking dramatically between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, when it reaches a striking 12—a clear signal that sun protection is crucial during these hours. The day starts off gently at 07:00 with a manageable 2 and gradually climbs to a robust 10 by 10:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, the intensity begins to taper off, dipping to 10 at 13:00 before descending to 4 by 15:00. The UV levels continue to drop rapidly, reaching 1 by 17:00 and plummeting to 0 as daylight fades, highlighting the importance of staying shaded and protected when the sun is at its strongest.
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 | 11 | 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 |
The UV Index remains extremely high throughout the year, with values peaking at 14 in April and generally hovering between 11 and 13 from January to May and again in August and September. The high-risk months for sun exposure are clearly from March to May, when the Index reaches its zenith, signaling a burn time of just 10 minutes. Even as the year progresses into the latter months, the UV Index remains concerningly elevated, particularly in October and November. Therefore, it is advisable for both residents and visitors to take extra precautions during these months: wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade, especially around midday when UV radiation is most intense. In December, while the index drops to 10, it’s still categorized as very high, suggesting that sun safety measures should remain a priority year-round.
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 |
Gbadolite | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 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 |