Last updated: July 2, 2025
Staying aware of the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Kukës, Albania, where the climate offers both beauty and exposure to sun. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, making it crucial to check the daily readings. With Kukës' Cfb climate, characterized by warm summers and varied weather patterns, the region experiences significant UV exposure, especially around midday when the index peaks at 10. Equip yourself with this knowledge to enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin from its potentially harmful effects.
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, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, impacting the risk of overexposure to sunlight. High-risk months are primarily from March to September, with the index peaking at 10 in June and July, indicating very high exposure that can result in sunburns in as little as 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours. In contrast, the UV Index is much lower in January, December, and November, categorized as moderate or low, allowing for safer sun exposure with extended burn times of 30 minutes to 45 minutes. Always stay informed and protect your skin to enjoy the outdoors safely!
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 |
| Kukes | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |