Last updated: July 2, 2025
As residents and visitors to Prespa, Croatia, bask in the stunning natural beauty of this picturesque region, it's crucial to remain vigilant about the UV Index and its implications for skin health. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing you to fully enjoy the sun-soaked days that Prespa’s temperate oceanic climate (Cfb) offers. With peak UV readings reaching up to 9 during midday hours, awareness of UV exposure risks becomes essential. Stay informed and protect your skin while exploring all the wonders that Prespa has to offer!
The UV Index reveals a dynamic day of sun exposure, starting with a gentle 1 at 07:00 and gradually ramping up as the morning unfolds. By 09:00, it climbs to 4, reaching a more noteworthy 6 at 10:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the UV Index peaks at 9 during the crucial hours of 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity begins to wane after 14:00, settling to 7 at 15:00 before gradually decreasing to 1 by 19:00. Remember to protect your skin between 11:00 and 14:00 when the sun’s rays are at their most dangerous!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying exposure risks for both visitors and residents. From January to April, the UV index gradually increases from 2 (low) to 6 (high), with April marking the beginning of heightened caution. The high-risk months for UV exposure are May through August, where the index peaks at 9 (very high) for both June and July, necessitating careful sun protection measures, including sunscreen application and protective clothing, as burn times drop to just 15 minutes. As summer transitions to autumn, the index decreases, bringing lower risks with September falling back to 6 (high) and gradually lowering through the fall and winter months. Residents and visitors are advised to monitor UV levels regularly, especially during the peak summer months, to ensure safety while enjoying outdoor activities.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osijek UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Zagreb UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Prespa | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Rijeka UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Zadar UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Split UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |