Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sozopol, Bulgaria, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health under the sun. With a climate characterized by warm summers, the UV levels can peak significantly throughout the day, reaching 9—a point at which unprotected skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes. By staying informed about daily UV variations, residents and visitors alike can take essential precautions to prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. So, whether you're lounging on the stunning beaches or exploring the charming old town, being aware of the UV Index will help you enjoy the sunny days safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, indicating that sun protection becomes a consideration. The intensity picks up significantly by 10:00 AM, reaching 5, before peaking at 12:00 PM with a striking 9. Notably, this peak persists through 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, where the UVI remains steady, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade and apply sunscreen. As the day winds down, the index gradually declines—dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM and trailing off to 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly data not only highlights the importance of sun safety during the midday hours but also serves as a reminder to plan activities accordingly!
| 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 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels vary significantly, indicating changing sun exposure risks. The months of May through August are particularly notable, as they experience a very high UV Index of 9, with a burn time of only 15 minutes—marking them as high-risk months for sunburn. In contrast, the winter months of January and December show a low UV Index of 2, allowing up to 45 minutes of exposure with minimal risk. As spring transitions into summer, it's vital for both visitors and residents to take precautions during the high-risk months: wear sunscreen, seek shade during peak hours, and consider protective clothing to reduce UV exposure. As the season shifts into fall and winter, the risk decreases, but staying informed remains essential year-round.
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 |
| Sozopol | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 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 |