Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Kastriot, Albania, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. The sun's intensity can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, with peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 around noon. Understanding these levels enables residents and visitors alike to make informed decisions about sun protection, especially during the warmer months typical of the Csb climate zone. By staying aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Albanian outdoors while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing as the day unfolds. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 3, signaling a mild increase in UV exposure. The intensity peaks between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, with the index hitting a maximum of 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Thankfully, the afternoon brings a decrease, with values declining to 7 at 3:00 PM and dropping further to 1 by 7:00 PM, as the sun sets. This data emphasizes the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. From March to September, UV exposure rises sharply, peaking in June with an extreme index of 11. The high-risk months for sunburn are March through September, particularly April through September, where the UV Index remains above 8. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are most intense. In contrast, the UV Index drops significantly in winter, with only moderate levels in January, February, and November, and a low level in December, allowing for safer outdoor activities with less risk of sunburn.
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 |
| 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 |
| Kastriot | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |