Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the picturesque coastal town of Stari Bar, Montenegro, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. With varying UV levels throughout the day, understanding these changes is vital for sunburn prevention and promoting overall skin health. Under the warm, Mediterranean climate classified as Cfa, sun exposure can reach significant highs, particularly around midday when the UV Index peaks at 9. By familiarizing yourself with local UV levels, you can enjoy the stunning beaches and vibrant culture of Stari Bar while safeguarding your well-being.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and steadily rising as the sun reaches its peak. By 10:00, it escalates to a moderate 6, reaching 8 at 11:00 and peaking at an intense 9 from 12:00 to 13:00. This period signifies the greatest caution for sun exposure, making it essential to seek shade and wear protective clothing. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to dip, dropping to 8 at 14:00, then declining further to 7 by 15:00, and tapering down to 1 by 19:00. Overall, it’s a day that encourages sun safety awareness, particularly during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV index levels, which can significantly affect sun exposure for visitors and residents. January and December show low UV levels (Index 2), allowing for 45 minutes of safe exposure. However, as spring progresses, March and April enter the high category (Index 6-7), reducing safe burn time to 25 minutes. The summer months of May through August are particularly risky, with very high UV levels (Index 8-9) and a burn time dropping to just 15 minutes. As autumn approaches, September's UV index decreases to high (Index 7), allowing for 25 minutes of exposure, followed by moderate levels in October and November (Index 3-4), where safe burn times extend to 30 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to monitor the UV index closely, especially between May and August, and take appropriate sun protection measures, including wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing during high-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stari Bar | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Budva UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Herceg Novi UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Podgorica UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Niksic UVI | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Pljevlja UVI | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |