Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Vrbovec, Croatia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn. As a region with a Cfb climate, Vrbovec experiences varied UV levels throughout the day, with peak values reaching as high as 8 around midday. Understanding these levels not only helps residents and visitors protect themselves from harmful UV radiation but also fosters awareness about long-term skin health. With typical summer sun exposure risks, knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen can significantly enhance your wellbeing while enjoying the beautiful Croatian outdoors.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vrbovec | 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 |