Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the climate offers a unique blend of beauty and sun exposure. With the sun reaching damaging levels, particularly during midday hours when the UV Index peaks at 11, awareness of these levels can significantly impact your skin health and aid in sunburn prevention. The city's Cwb climate features a high elevation that contributes to increased UV radiation, ranging from a moderate risk of sunburn in the morning to severe levels by noon. Staying informed about UV levels helps you enjoy the stunning landscapes of Bukavu while protecting yourself from harmful rays.
The UV Index today paints a vivid picture of sun exposure throughout the hours. Early morning starts off gently, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00, gradually rising to a moderate 5 by 09:00. As the sun climbs, the intensity increases dramatically, peaking at an impressive 11 between 12:00 and 13:00—perfect for those soaking up the rays! As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to dip, dropping to 8 at 14:00, then falling to 5 and eventually down to a minimal 1 by 17:00. The day wraps up as the sun sets, with the UV Index tapering off to 0 by 19:00, emphasizing the importance of sun safety in the brightest hours.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
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.
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 |
| 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 |