Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Donja Bistra, Croatia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's Cfb climate, residents and visitors alike experience varying UV exposure levels throughout the day, peaking at a strong 9 between noon and 1 PM. Understanding these UV levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful Croatian outdoors safely. Whether you're sunbathing, hiking, or simply spending time outside, being aware of the UV Index is an essential step in ensuring your sun safety.
The UV Index throughout the day started off low, with 1 at 07:00, gradually rising as the sun climbed higher in the sky. By 09:00, it reached a moderate 4, but the real peak came at 12:00 with an impressive 9—a perfect reminder to apply sunscreen! As the afternoon unfolded, the UV levels remained high, hovering around 8 at 14:00 and dipping slightly to 7 by 15:00. As the sun began to set, the index gracefully descended, dropping to 3 by 17:00, and finally returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. This daily cycle underscores the importance of sun safety, particularly during those high noon 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying exposure risks for both visitors and residents. From January to April, the UV index gradually increases from 2 (low) to 6 (high), with April marking the beginning of heightened caution. The high-risk months for UV exposure are May through August, where the index peaks at 9 (very high) for both June and July, necessitating careful sun protection measures, including sunscreen application and protective clothing, as burn times drop to just 15 minutes. As summer transitions to autumn, the index decreases, bringing lower risks with September falling back to 6 (high) and gradually lowering through the fall and winter months. Residents and visitors are advised to monitor UV levels regularly, especially during the peak summer months, to ensure safety while enjoying outdoor activities.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donja Bistra | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 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 |