Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Rakov Potok, Croatia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting their health. Understanding UV levels helps in the prevention of sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing residents and visitors to take necessary precautions during peak hours. With a Cfb climate that features warm summers, it's essential to note the significant UV exposure typically peaking around midday, when the index reaches as high as 9. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely and maintain your skin's health throughout the year.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Rakov Potok | 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 |