Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Kotor, Montenegro, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for both residents and visitors alike. Understanding UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health—especially as the sun reaches its peak during the summer months. Kotor's Cfb climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers, presents specific exposure risks, particularly with midday UV indices soaring to 9. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can better protect yourself while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of this stunning coastal town.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kotor | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 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 |