Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Basoko, Democratic Republic of the Congo, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike take essential precautions against harmful sun exposure, especially during the peak hours when the UV index reaches 10 around noon. With a climate characterized by high humidity and equatorial sun, Basoko presents unique challenges related to UV radiation, making it imperative to stay informed. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the beauty of this vibrant region while protecting your skin from potential damage.
The UV index reveals a fascinating daily pattern, beginning with low levels of 1 in the early hours from 07:00 to 09:00. As the sun climbs, so does the UV intensity, spiking to a moderate level of 6 by 10:00 and reaching a peak of 10 at both 12:00 and 13:00—making midday the most crucial time to protect your skin. As afternoon arrives, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 8 at 14:00, 6 by 15:00, and falling further to 3 by 16:00. The evening brings a return to safer levels, concluding the day with a UV index of 1 at 17:00 and 18:00, before fading to 0 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during the peak hours when UV exposure can be 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |