Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Gostivar, North Macedonia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and reducing the long-term risks of skin cancer, especially during the peak hours when the index reaches its highest, around midday. With a Cfb climate, Gostivar experiences varied weather patterns, but the UV exposure can still be significant, especially in summer months. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, locals and visitors alike can enjoy the sun safely while taking necessary precautions.
Starting the day with a gentle UV Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, the sun quickly ramps up its intensity. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 3, but things really heat up as the clock strikes 9:00 AM with a 5. The peak sun hours are between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where the UV Index soars to a significant 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After noon, the Index begins a gradual decline, dipping to 10 at 2:00 PM and then to 7 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the values drop further, settling back to 1 by 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, providing a gentle close to the day's UV intensity. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with notable increases during the spring and summer months. January and February present moderate UV levels (Index 3 and 5), allowing for relatively safer sun exposure with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as March rolls in, the UV Index rises to 7, marking the transition to high risk, and this trend continues to escalate through April and May, when UV levels reach 9 and 10 (very high), requiring caution with a burn time of just 15 minutes. The peak occurs in June, where the UV Index hits 11, classified as extreme, necessitating minimal sun exposure and diligent protection measures with a mere 10-minute burn time. This high risk persists through July and August (both at 10), before tapering off slightly in September (UV Index 8) and October (UV Index 6). The autumn months of November and December see a drop back to moderate and low levels (Indexes 4 and 2), allowing for longer exposures of 30 and 45 minutes, respectively. Consequently, individuals are advised to be particularly vigilant during the high-risk months of March through September, ensuring adequate sun protection, such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 UVI | 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 |
| Gostivar | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |