Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Chisinau, Moldova is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 8 during the summer months, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Chisinau's Cfb climate brings sunny days, which can increase the risk of UV exposure, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM when UV rays are typically the strongest. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while taking necessary precautions to protect their skin.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic landscape of sun exposure. Starting off at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the intensity gradually rises, hitting 2 by 8:00 AM and 3 by 9:00 AM. The real peak emerges at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where it reaches a robust 8—a signal to seek shade and cover up! As the afternoon progresses, the index gently declines to 6 by 3:00 PM, before tapering off further to 2 by 6:00 PM, and finally returning to a cool 1 by 7:00 PM. This data reminds us to be sun-smart during those critical midday hours!
| 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 | 6 | 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 | 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 show significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months occurring from April to August. During these months, the UV Index peaks at 9, indicating a very high exposure category during June and July, where the burn time is only 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take caution, especially in May, June, July, and August, when skin protection measures are essential, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade. As summer transitions to fall, UV levels gradually decrease; however, moderate exposure levels in April and October warrant continued awareness. The lowest UV indexes are found in January and December, categorizing them as low risk with longer burn times of 45 minutes, offering a reprieve from sun-related hazards.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balti UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Ribnita UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Chisinau | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Bender UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Tiraspol UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 |