Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Luftinje, Albania, where the Mediterranean climate brings sunny days and increased exposure to ultraviolet rays. High UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential to monitor daily UV fluctuations, especially during peak hours between 11 AM and 2 PM when readings soar to 9, indicating a very high risk of harm. With typical UV exposure risks in this climate, being informed allows you to take necessary precautions, ensuring your outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable while protecting your skin health.
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 index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating changes in sun exposure risk. January and February have moderate UV levels (indices of 3 and 4) where the risk of sunburn is low to moderate, with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring unfolds, March sees an increase to a high level of 6, prompting a burn time of 25 minutes. The high-risk months transition into summer, peaking in June, July, and August with a maximum UV index of 10 (very high exposure) and a burn time of just 15 minutes. April and May also present very high conditions (UV indices of 8 and 9), so it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during these months. September starts a decline with a UV index of 8, returning to lower levels in October (6), and finally dropping to mild conditions in November (4) and December (2), where the burn times extend to 30 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively. It's advisable for everyone to be vigilant and use sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing from March through September when UV radiation is most intense.
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 |
| Luftinje | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |