Last updated: May 3, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zaton, Croatia, where the Mediterranean climate brings long, sunny days with significant UV exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health and reducing the risk of skin cancer. With midday UV Index values peaking at 8, the risk of harm is notably elevated during the summer months. This knowledge empowers individuals to take necessary precautions and enjoy the beautiful landscape of Zaton while protecting their skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index experiences a steady rise throughout the morning, starting at a low of 1 at 07:00 and peaking at 8 from 12:00 to 14:00. This midday intensity highlights the importance of sun protection during these hours. As the day progresses, the value begins to taper off, dropping to 6 at 15:00, before declining further to 3 by 17:00. By the evening, the UV Index falls back to 1 at 19:00, signaling a much safer time to enjoy outdoor activities. It's clear that, for optimal sun safety, those planning to be outside should take extra precautions during the peak hours around midday!
| 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 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index reveals significant seasonal changes in sun exposure risks. January and December are the safest months, with a low exposure category and burn times of 45 minutes, while February and March indicate a moderate risk with an elevated UV Index of 4 and 5, respectively. The high-risk period peaks from April to August, where the UV Index climbs to very high levels, particularly in June (10) and July (9), warranting a burn time reduction to just 15 minutes. September sees a slight decrease to a high category (UV Index 7) while October through November return to moderate levels. Visitors and residents should take precautions during high-risk months by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between April and August when the sun's intensity is at its highest.
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 |
| Zaton | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Split UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |