Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Podstrana, Croatia is crucial for anyone who enjoys the sunny Mediterranean climate. As UV levels can soar to a maximum of 10 during peak hours, awareness of the UV Index is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. With Podstrana's temperate oceanic climate, residents and visitors alike encounter a heightened risk of UV exposure, particularly from late morning to early afternoon. Protect yourself by staying informed and making sensible choices when it comes to sun protection, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience under the Croatian sun.
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 |
| Podstrana | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Split UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |