Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Bitola, North Macedonia is essential for promoting sun safety and maintaining healthy skin, especially given the region's Cfb climate, which features warm summers and strong sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 around noon, it’s crucial for residents and visitors alike to be aware of the UV risks associated with outdoor activities. By staying informed about UV levels, you can effectively prevent painful sunburns and protect your long-term skin health, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in this beautiful town.
As the sun ascends in the morning sky, the UV Index begins to rise, gently peaking at 1 by 07:00. It quickly escalates to 3 at 08:00 and continues its ascent, hitting 4 by 09:00. The true intensity is reached at 12:00, when the index soars to a blistering 10, indicating a high level of sun exposure risk. This peak lasts until 13:00 with a reading of 9, before gradually tapering off: 8 at 14:00, 6 at 15:00, and settling down to 4 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the index lowers to 2 at 17:00 and finally drifts back to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00, marking the end of a day where sunlight demanded attention and protection. Stay sun-safe!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, influencing sun exposure levels for visitors and residents. From January to February, UV levels are moderate (3-4) with a burn time of 30 minutes, making sun protection advisable, especially for prolonged outdoor activities. A notable increase occurs in March, with the index rising to 6 (high), and this trend continues through April (8, very high) and May (10, very high), where burn times decrease to just 15 minutes. The peak occurs in June with an extreme index of 11, followed by consistently very high levels of 10 in July and August. September shows a slight drop to 8 (very high), before tapering back to 6 (high) in October. The UV Index diminishes further in November (4, moderate) and December (2, low), where extended exposure is safer with burn times of 30 and 45 minutes, respectively. It is essential for everyone to practice sun safety during high-risk months, particularly from March to September, when the potential for skin damage is greatest. Regular use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours is strongly recommended to minimize UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skopje UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Kumanovo UVI | 3 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Prilep UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Bitola | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Tetovo UVI | 3 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |