Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Podgradina, Croatia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and maintaining overall health. With the sun reaching peak levels of 10 at midday, awareness of UV exposure can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. The coastal climate, classified as Cfb, often brings clear skies and strong sunlight, heightening the importance of monitoring UV levels. By staying informed about daily UV Index fluctuations, locals and visitors alike can enjoy the outdoors while effectively protecting their skin from harmful rays.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index experiences a dramatic rise, peaking at an intense 10 around 1 PM, signaling the highest level of harmful UV radiation. Early morning hours start gently, with a maximum of 1 at 7 AM, gradually increasing to a moderate 4 by 9 AM. The ascent continues steadily, reaching a notable 8 between 11 AM and 12 PM before soaring to its zenith. After this peak, the index begins to wane, declining to 5 by 4 PM and dropping further to a safe 1 by 7 PM. It’s vital to stay protected during the peak hours of 11 AM to 3 PM to enjoy the sunshine without compromising skin health.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 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, so do the UV Index levels, significantly affecting outdoor activities. The winter months of January and December present a low risk with an index of 2, allowing for safe sun exposure of up to 45 minutes. However, as we transition into spring, particularly March and April, the risk escalates to high levels (UV Index 6 and 7), with burn times decreasing to 25 minutes. The summer months of May through August pose the highest risk, characterized by very high UV Index levels of 9 to 10, where even short exposures of 15 minutes can result in burns. September marks a slight decline to high exposure (UV Index 7) and then reduces again in October and November to moderate levels (UV Index 5 and 3). Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months from March to August, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize UV exposure.
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 |
| Podgradina | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Split UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |