Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Popovo, Bulgaria is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As the sun rises higher in the sky, so do the UV levels, reaching a peak of 9 by midday. This means that during the warmer months, it’s crucial to be vigilant about sun exposure, as even a short time in peak sunlight can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Given Popovo's Cfa climate, with its warm summers and varied weather conditions, residents and visitors alike must be aware of the UV index to protect themselves effectively. By keeping track of these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful Bulgarian outdoors while minimizing your risk of skin-related issues.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, indicating a mild increase in UV exposure. The real peak arrives at 12:00, where the index reaches a striking 9, underscoring the importance of sun protection during these hours. This high level remains steady until 14:00, followed by a gradual descent as the afternoon wanes: 8 at 15:00, 6 at 16:00, and continuing down to 2 at 18:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index drops to a soft 1 by 19:00, signaling a gentle close to the sun-soaked day. Remember to take precautions during the midday hours to safeguard your skin!
| 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 | 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 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 |
| Popovo | 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 |