Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Etropole, Bulgaria, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential, especially to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage caused by harmful ultraviolet rays. In this temperate climate, where summer days can see UV Index values peaking at a high of 9 during midday, awareness is key to enjoying the outdoors safely. By monitoring the UV Index, residents and visitors can better prepare for daily sun exposure and implement protective measures, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable experience under the beautiful Bulgarian sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to a 2, indicating a low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. However, from 09:00 onwards, the intensity builds, peaking at 9 between 13:00 and 14:00—a time when precautions are essential to protect skin from damage. The afternoon hours see a slight decrease, dropping to 8 at 15:00 and further declining to 4 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls back down to 1 by 19:00, marking a return to safer levels. Stay vigilant during those midday hours to enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin healthy!
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months. January and December present the lowest UV levels (Index 2), categorized as low, with a burn time of 45 minutes. In contrast, the months of May, June, and July reach critical levels, with a UV Index of 10, classified as very high and a burn time of just 15 minutes. April and August also remain high, at 7 and 9 respectively, while March and September see a moderate fall to a UV Index of 7, considered high. Those at risk should be particularly cautious from March through August, as these months present elevated UV exposure. Visitors and residents alike are advised to prioritize sun protection measures—such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses—especially during these high-risk months to minimize skin damage and health risks.
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 |
| Etropole | 2 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |