Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Bansko, Bulgaria, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin under the radiant sun. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and maintain skin health, especially as you enjoy the mountainous landscapes and outdoor activities. With a temperate climate that brings intense sun exposure during the summer months, Bansko's UV Index can reach high levels, peaking at 10 around midday. This means that during those hours, effective sun protection is essential to minimize the risk of harmful effects from UV radiation. Stay vigilant and enjoy the beauty of Bansko while keeping your skin safe and healthy!
The UV index begins its ascent at 07:00, starting at a gentle 1, then climbs gradually through the morning. By 10:00, it reaches a moderate 5, but from 11:00 onwards, the sun's intensity becomes pronounced, peaking at an impressive 10 between 13:00 and 14:00. After this zenith, the index dips to 8 at 15:00 and continues its decline, settling back to 2 by 18:00. As the day winds down into the evening, the UV index drops to a low 1 by 19:00, signaling a return to safer sun exposure levels. Enjoy the sunshine while staying protected during the high points!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the year progresses, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months emerging from March through September. During this period, the UV Index escalates to very high levels in April, May, July, and August, peaking at an extreme level of 11 in June, necessitating vigilant sun protection. Residents and visitors should note that March marks the onset of the high-risk season, with a UV Index of 7, and continue to exercise caution through September, where levels remain notably high. To minimize the risk of sunburn, it is advisable to seek shade during peak hours, wear protective clothing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, especially in the high or extreme UV categories, where burn times can be as low as 10 minutes. In contrast, during the winter months of January and December, the UV Index drops to 2, indicating a low exposure risk, allowing for more lenient sun protection measures.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruse UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Varna UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Burgas UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Plovdiv UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Sofia UVI | 2 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Bansko | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |