Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Sarande, Albania, where the sun can shine brightly over the picturesque coastline. Awareness of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term skin health. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by ample sunshine, Sarande experiences varying UV exposure risks throughout the day. For example, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the UV Index can reach as high as 9, signaling a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed about the UV Index can empower you to take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely.
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 |
| Sarande | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |