Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Qukes-Shkumbin, Albania, where the climate can boost exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation. Knowing the UV levels helps you take proactive steps in sunburn prevention and maintaining good skin health, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to a high of 10 around noon. Given Qukes-Shkumbin's unique climate, where the risk of UV exposure is heightened during sunny days, being aware of the UV Index can help you enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting yourself from sun 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 |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes significantly impact sun exposure and potential skin damage. The high-risk months for UV exposure are April through October, when the UV Index frequently reaches very high to extreme levels, peaking at a dangerous 11 in June. During these months, burn times decrease sharply, with only 10 minutes of safe exposure in June. Visitors and residents should take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, particularly from April to September, to minimize the risk of skin damage. Conversely, during the winter months of December and January, the UV Index is much lower, allowing for more extended safe exposure times of up to 45 minutes.
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 |
| Qukes-Shkumbin | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |