Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Otočac, Croatia is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors while prioritizing their skin health. As UV levels fluctuate throughout the day, knowing when the sun's rays are most intense can help prevent painful sunburns and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. Nestled in a Cfb climate zone, Otočac experiences a unique mix of warm summers and mild winters, but even during moderate weather, UV exposure can still pose significant risks. With peak UV Index readings reaching up to 9 around midday, staying informed is key to safeguarding your skin while soaking up the beauty of this stunning region.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index soars to its peak during the midday hours, reaching a maximum of 9 at 1:00 PM. Early risers will notice a milder UV level; at 7:00 AM, it's a mere 1, gradually climbing to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity intensifies — 3 by 9:00 AM, surging past 5 at 10:00 AM, and hitting 7 at 11:00 AM. The sun's power reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, where it hits 8, before peaking at 1:00 PM. Following this peak, the UV Index starts to decline, with a gentle drop to 8 at 2:00 PM, further decreasing to 6 at 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the readings dip to 3 at 5:00 PM, then fall to 2 by 6:00 PM, and finally retreat to 1 as daylight wanes at 7:00 PM. It's a compelling reminder to stay protected during the sun's most intense hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 |
As the seasons change, the UV Index reflects varying levels of solar exposure that can significantly impact skin health. From January to February, the UV Index rises from 2 (low) to 4 (moderate), indicating a need for basic sun protection as burn times decrease from 45 minutes to 30 minutes. By April, the UV Index reaches 7 (high), marking the start of high-risk months when exposure should be limited to 25 minutes. The peak UV levels occur in May and June, with values of 9 and 10 (very high) respectively, where burn times plummet to just 15 minutes. Even in August, the UV Index remains at 8, while it begins to decline in September to 7 (high), allowing for 25 minutes of safer exposure. As we transition toward winter, the UV Index drops to 3 (moderate) in November and returns to 2 (low) in December, offering safer scorch-free time of 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to remain vigilant about UV exposure, particularly during the summer months, and to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing during peak hours to minimize skin damage.
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 |
| Otocac | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Split UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |