Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. With its varied climate, particularly the Cfb zone, the city experiences significant sunlight that can elevate UV levels, especially during the midday hours. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, as exposure can increase with UV Index values peaking at 10 around noon. As you navigate Sarajevo's beautiful streets and parks, keep an eye on the UV Index to ensure your outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable, protecting yourself from harmful UV radiation.
The UV Index begins its ascent at 07:00 with a gentle 1, setting a calm tone for the morning. By 08:00, it spikes to 3, hinting at increasing sun exposure. As the clock strikes 09:00, the index climbs further to 4, marking a cautious approach to outdoor activities. The peak arrives at 12:00, reaching a sizzling 10, indicating a powerful intensity of sunlight that calls for immediate sun protection. Even through the afternoon, 13:00 holds steady at 10, encouraging vigilance under the sun. The index begins to descend, dropping to 9 by 14:00, then gradually tapering off to 5 at 16:00, and easing to 3 by 17:00. As twilight sets in, the UV Index retreats to 2 at 18:00 and down to 1 by 19:00, signaling a soft end to the day's sunlight intensity. Remember to take care during those peak hours for optimal sun safety!
| 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 | 8 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, reflecting varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains relatively moderate, with a value of 3-4 and a burn time of 30 minutes. However, starting in March, the UV Index rises significantly, reaching high levels of 7 and subsequently peaking at 10 in June and July, marking the months of highest risk. April to August features very high UV Index ratings (8-10), with a critical burn time of only 15 minutes, making it essential for visitors and residents to take precautionary measures by wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing during these months. With a decline in UV exposure in September (7) and further into the fall and winter months, the UV Index drops to moderate (5) in October and then to low (2) by December, allowing for safer outdoor activities. Overall, it is crucial to be vigilant, especially during the high-risk months of March through August, to ensure skin protection against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banja Luka UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Tuzla UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Zenica UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Mostar UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Sarajevo | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |