Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for ensuring sun safety in Basoko, Democratic Republic of the Congo. This awareness is crucial not only for preventing sunburn but also for safeguarding skin health in a region where the sun can be intense year-round. With a tropical climate characteristic of the Am climate zone, residents and visitors face heightened UV exposure risks, particularly during midday when levels peak at a dangerous 11. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful environment of Basoko while minimizing the risk of harm from the sun.
The UV Index for the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM with a blistering 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Starting from a mild 1 at 7 AM, the index ramps up quickly, hitting 4 by 9 AM and soaring to 9 by 11 AM. As the clock strikes 1 PM, it dips slightly to 10, before descending steadily to 6 by 3 PM and dropping to a mere 1 by 5 PM. The afternoon hours bring relief as the sun retreats, culminating in a shadowy 0 by 7 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during the midday hours when the risk is at its highest.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 experiences notable fluctuations throughout the year, with extreme levels persisting from January to June and again in August to November, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The highest readings occur in March and April, reaching a peak of 14, while July marks a slight decline to 10, categorized as very high. For visitors and residents, the months of January through June and August through November represent high-risk months for sunburn, with a critical burn time of just 10 minutes for most of the year, except in July, when it is slightly extended to 15 minutes. It is essential for individuals to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, during these months to protect against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
Basoko | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
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 |