Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sandanski, Bulgaria, where the sun's intensity can pose significant risks throughout the year. With its Cfa climate, the region experiences warm summers and a Mediterranean influence, increasing the potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage during peak UV exposure hours. Awareness of UV levels allows you to take steps to protect your skin, ensuring your outdoor activities are both enjoyable and safe. Notably, UV Index values in Sandanski can spike to 10 around midday, underscoring the importance of sun protection during these high-risk hours. Stay informed and safeguard your skin with proactive measures!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, starting at 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it climbs to 3, hinting at the day's potential for sun exposure. The heat peaks around 12:00, reaching a blistering 9, and hits its maximum at 13:00 and 14:00, both at a high of 10—a critical time for sun safety. As the afternoon transitions to evening, the UV Index gradually dips; by 18:00, it's down to 2, and as twilight approaches, it settles back at 1 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities wisely to stay safe in the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure levels show significant seasonal variation, with higher UV indexes typically observed from March to September. During this period, April and June reach their peak, with UV indexes of 8 and 11, respectively, classified as very high and extreme, indicating a burn time as short as 10 minutes in June. The high-risk months for UV exposure include March through September, where residents and visitors should take extra precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. Conversely, January and December present low UV levels, allowing for safer outdoor activities. Overall, it’s crucial to stay updated on the UV Index and protect your skin accordingly, particularly during the intense summer months.
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 |
| Sandanski | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |