Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Cukalat, Albania, where the sun's powerful rays can pose significant health risks. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 9 during midday, being informed about UV exposure is essential for preventing painful sunburns and safeguarding your skin's health. The Mediterranean climate of Cukalat, characterized by hot, dry summers, amplifies these risks, making it vital to stay vigilant about daily UV levels. By staying aware of the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself from the sun while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
The UV Index for the day reveals an intensifying sun, peaking between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a striking value of 9. Early in the day, at 7:00 AM, the index starts low at 1, allowing a gradual increase to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the hours progress, the UV exposure rises sharply, hitting 6 by 10:00 AM, and climbing to its maximum of 8 at 11:00 AM before reaching its zenith. After this midday spike, a gentle decline begins; the levels drop back to 8 at 2:00 PM, then 6 at 3:00 PM, and further decrease to 2 by 5:00 PM. The sun sets on the day’s UV journey with lingering low values of 1 for the last few hours. It's a reminder to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit notable seasonal fluctuations that affect sun exposure safety. From January to March, the UV Index gradually rises from 3 to 6, moving from a moderate to high exposure category, making it essential to use sun protection during this transition. April and May see a sharp increase, with the UV Index reaching 7 and 9, indicating very high exposure risks; individuals should limit sun exposure to just 15 minutes in May. The peak UV intensity occurs during June to August, where the index remains at a very high level of 9 or 10, and protective measures are crucial to prevent skin damage. As we move into September and October, the UV levels moderate slightly, returning to high categories but still warranting vigilance. Finally, November and December provide relief with lower UV readings of 3 and 2, respectively; however, sunblock use is still advisable, especially for prolonged outdoor activities. Visitors and residents should remain informed about the UV Index, particularly during the high-risk months of May through August, and take appropriate measures to stay protected.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shkoder UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Durres UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Tirana UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Cukalat | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Vlore UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Elbasan UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |