Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Budva, Montenegro is essential for anyone looking to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean sun while safeguarding their skin health. With UV levels peaking at 9 during midday, awareness of these numbers is crucial for preventing sunburn and reducing the long-term risk of skin damage. Budva, with its mild Cfb climate, offers plenty of sunshine, but this also means heightened exposure risks, especially from late morning to early afternoon. Staying informed and taking the necessary precautions will ensure you make the most of your time outdoors while prioritizing your well-being.
From the break of dawn, the UV Index begins its steady ascent, starting at a low 1 at 07:00. As the morning unfolds, it gradually climbs to 4 by 09:00 and hits a moderate 6 by 10:00. The sun reaches its peak intensity at 12:00, with a UVI of 9, marking the most critical time for sun exposure. This intense period lingers until 13:00, before gradually tapering off to 6 at 15:00. By late afternoon, the value drops significantly, settling back to 2 by 17:00 and returning to its early morning levels of 1 by 18:00 and beyond. These fluctuations highlight the importance of taking sun safety precautions, especially during those peak 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 | 6 | high | 25 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so too do the UV index levels, impacting sun safety for residents and visitors alike. From January to February, the UV index begins at a low of 2 and rises to a moderate 4, with recommended burn times decreasing from 45 minutes to 30 minutes. March to August marks the high-risk months for UV exposure, with indices peaking at 10 in July, characterized by very high exposure levels and a burn time of just 15 minutes. It is crucial to take precautions during this period, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible. As we transition into September through December, the UV index gradually declines, with levels dropping to a low 2 again in December. However, the high-risk months of May through August particularly emphasize the need for vigilance against overexposure to UV rays. Always prioritize sun safety as the UV index fluctuates throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budva | 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 |