Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Split, Croatia, is essential for both residents and visitors alike. With the city’s Mediterranean climate characterized by plenty of sunshine, awareness of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. During peak daylight hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to levels 7-8, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these levels, you can safeguard yourself against the harmful effects of UV radiation while enjoying the beautiful Croatian sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, reaching a maximum of 8 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM—the peak hours for sun exposure. Starting at a low 1 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily increases, hitting 5 by 10:00 AM and escalating to 7 at 11:00 AM. This intense exposure continues through the afternoon, maintaining a high of 8 at 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. However, by 3:00 PM, it starts to dip to 6 and further drops to 4 at 4:00 PM. The evening brings a welcome respite, with the UV Index falling back to 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe time to enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of overexposure. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | 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 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |