Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Dolna Banya, Bulgaria, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for safeguarding against longer-term skin damage. Given Dolna Banya's Dfb climate, with its diverse seasons and varying UV exposure, local residents and visitors alike must be vigilant, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can soar as high as 10. By knowing when the sun's rays are strongest, you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping your skin safe from harm.
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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, indicating varying levels of risk for sun exposure. From January to February, UV levels remain in the moderate range (3-4), allowing for approximately 30 minutes of safe sun exposure. As spring approaches in March, the UV Index escalates to 7, marking the beginning of high risk, with a reduced safe exposure time of 25 minutes. The late spring and summer months, particularly April to August, experience the highest UV readings, with values reaching a peak of 10 in June and July, categorizing them as very high risk and necessitating careful sun protection after just 15 minutes of exposure. September sees a slight decline to an 8, while October drops to a 6, signaling a return to high risk. Conversely, late fall and winter months—November (3) and December (2)—see safer exposure categories, with burn times extending up to 30-45 minutes. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures in high-risk months (March to September) by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize sun damage.
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 |
| Dolna Banya | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |