UV Index in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially given the region's unique climate. Being aware of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protect skin health, making it essential knowledge for outdoor activities. Bukavu experiences a temperate climate with notable UV exposure risks, particularly during apex hours, as reflected by peak indices that reach up to 12 around midday. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beauty of Bukavu while shielding yourself from harmful effects associated with excessive sun exposure.

Hourly UV Index in Bukavu

At dawn, the UV Index starts off low at 1 at 07:00, but as the sun rises, so does the intensity of UV radiation. By 09:00, it reaches 5, climbing rapidly to a peak of 12 at 12:00. The midday sun is fierce, with the UV Index hitting its maximum of 11 at 11:00 and slightly dropping to 8 by 14:00. As the afternoon progresses, the index declines steadily, returning to a more moderate 5 at 15:00, then tapering off to 2 by 16:00. The day concludes with a safe 1 at 17:00 and fades to 0 from 18:00 onwards, indicating a reprieve from UV exposure. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	11	extreme	10 min
12:00	12	extreme	10 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	8	very high	15 min
15:00	5	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Bukavu

The UV Index consistently remains extremely high throughout the year, peaking at 17 in March. From January to May, the index ranges from 15 to 17, marking these months as high-risk periods for skin damage with a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. While the index slightly declines from June to August, it stays above 11, indicating continued vigilance is necessary. The UV Index then averages around 13 from September to December, maintaining an elevated risk level. Residents and visitors are advised to take appropriate sun safety measures year-round, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to mitigate potential health impacts.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Bukavu. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Bukavu, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Bukavu UV Index with Other Democratic Republic of the Congo Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Bukavu compares to other major locations across Democratic Republic of the Congo. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Bukavu's solar exposure compared to other cities in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
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
Bukavu	15	16	17	16	14	12	11	13	14	13	13	13