Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With peak levels reaching a high of 9 during midday, awareness of UV exposure is essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The city's Cfb climate contributes to significant UV radiation during summer months, making it vital for residents and visitors alike to monitor these levels. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days while safeguarding your skin.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear pattern of intensity, peaking at midday. Starting from a mild level of 1 at 07:00, the index rises steadily, reaching 2 by 08:00. The real surge occurs between 09:00 and 13:00, where it escalates from 4 to a striking 9—the highest point of the day. As the afternoon unfolds, the intensity slightly declines to 7 at 15:00, before tapering off to 5 at 16:00. The evening sees a further decrease, settling back to 2 by 18:00 and returning to 1 at 19:00. For those enjoying outdoor activities, it’s essential to take precautions, especially during the peak hours from 11:00 to 14:00 when the UV rays are most potent.
| 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, impacting sun exposure and burn times. January and December see low UV levels (Index 2), with burn times of 45 minutes, while February and November moderate (Index 3), reducing burn time to 30 minutes. As spring arrives, March (Index 5) indicates a moderate risk before transitioning to April's high level (Index 7) with a burn time of 25 minutes. The peak risk occurs in May and June, where the UV Index reaches 8 to 9, categorizing exposure as very high and necessitating protective measures within just 15 minutes of sun exposure. July continues this trend, while August sees a slight decrease to 8. The UV Index tapers off in September (Index 7), October (Index 5), and November (Index 3), before returning to low levels in December. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during May through August, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banja Luka | 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 UVI | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |