Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Pirdop, Bulgaria, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. The UV Index provides crucial insights into ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels throughout the day, helping residents make informed decisions about sun exposure. With a Cfb climate, Pirdop experiences a mix of mild to warm summers, often resulting in elevated UV levels—especially between 11 AM and 3 PM when indices peak at 10. Understanding these UV levels not only protects against immediate skin damage but also plays a vital role in long-term health, ensuring everyone can enjoy the beautiful Bulgarian sun safely.
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels typically occurring from May to August. During this peak period, the UV Index reaches a very high level of 9 to 10, resulting in a minimal burn time of just 15 minutes for unprotected skin. March and April also present high values of 7, signaling increased risk of sunburn. Conversely, the low UV Index in January and December (both at 2) allows for a safer outdoor experience, with longer burn times of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures—especially from May through August—including applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin 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 |
| Pirdop | 2 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |