Last updated: June 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index in Korcula, Croatia, is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding these UV levels can significantly contribute to sunburn prevention and overall skin health, particularly during the sunniest hours of the day. In Korcula, characterized by a temperate Mediterranean climate (Csa), UV levels can soar, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, where values can reach as high as 10. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can fully enjoy the beauty of this stunning island while safeguarding your skin from its intense rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts its ascent, with a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it begins to climb, reaching 2, signaling a reminder to take care. The real intensity kicks in at 10:00, where the index peaks at 6, escalating to a scorching 9 by noon. The hottest moment arrives at 13:00, showcasing a dramatic 10—a level that demands serious sun protection. Although the UV level begins to drop after this peak, it remains notable; at 14:00, it settles at 9, then declines gently, hitting 3 by 17:00. As daylight fades towards the evening, it tapers off to 2 at 18:00 and finally returns to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's a vivid reminder of the sun's power throughout the day!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months. January and December have low UV levels (Index 2), allowing for a safer outdoor experience with burn times of 45 minutes. However, as spring progresses into summer, the levels rise sharply, particularly from May to August, where the index reaches very high levels of 8-10 and burn times drop to just 15 minutes. March and April also present high UV risks with indices of 6 and 7, respectively. The high-risk months where caution is crucial are from May through August. Visitors and residents are advised to take appropriate precautions during these months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of sunburn and skin damage. As the season transitions into fall, UV levels decrease, allowing for longer burn times again in September and October.
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 |
| 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 |
| Korcula | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |