Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Varazdin, Croatia, where sunny days can quickly lead to increased UV exposure. The UV Index provides essential information about the strength of ultraviolet radiation, helping you make informed decisions to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With Varazdin's temperate climate, marked by warm summers and moderate UV levels peaking around midday, being aware of these indices can significantly reduce your risk of skin damage. From a safe UV Index of 1 early in the morning to a hazardous peak of 8 during lunch hours, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can keep your skin safe and healthy while you enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of solar intensity. Starting off gently at 1 around 7:00 AM, the index gradually rises, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. The sun's rays intensify, peaking at 8 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, making it the most crucial time for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to taper off, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM and eventually declining back to a mild 1 as the evening sets in at 6:00 PM. This data emphasizes the importance of vigilance during peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV exposure.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure fluctuates significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from May to August, when the UV Index reaches levels categorized as very high (UV Index 8-9). During these months, the burn time drastically decreases to just 15 minutes, emphasizing the need for protection. Conversely, the low risk months of January, November, and December offer a safer environment with a UV Index of 2 and a burn time of 45 minutes. As such, visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during peak summer months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, while enjoying the milder winter months with less concern for UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varazdin | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 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 |