Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Veliki Bukovec, Croatia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels can empower you to take proactive measures—such as wearing sunscreen or seeking shade—especially during peak sunlight hours, when the index reaches a maximum of 8 between noon and 1 PM. With its Cfb climate offering warm summers, it’s essential to recognize the exposure risks posed by UV radiation. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful Croatian outdoors while protecting your skin from potential damage.
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 |
During the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying risks for skin damage from sun exposure. The low-risk months are January, December (UV Index 2), and November, February, October (UV Index 3), where exposure is generally safe with longer burn times of 30-45 minutes. As the season progresses into March and April (UV Index 5-6), caution is advised as burn times decrease to 25-30 minutes. The high-risk months, notably May through August (UV Index 8-9), present very high UV exposure, with burn times shortening dramatically to just 15 minutes. In September, risk lowers slightly (UV Index 6) but remains significant with a burn time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly encouraged to protect their skin, especially during peak UV months, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible to minimize potential harm.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veliki Bukovec | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 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 |