Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Skopje, North Macedonia, understanding the UV Index is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburns. With a Cfb climate, the city experiences a mix of mild winters and warm summers, leading to varying UV exposure throughout the year. As the UV levels peak during midday with the index reaching 9, it's crucial for residents and visitors to stay informed about sun safety, especially during outdoor activities. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays not only helps prevent sunburn but also lowers the risk of long-term skin damage. Stay vigilant and enjoy the sun responsibly!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index showcases a dynamic shift in sunlight intensity, peaking impressively at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a high of 9. Early morning starts with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually escalating to 2 by 8:00 AM, but it’s the late morning that really sees action, jumping to 6 at 10:00 AM and reaching 8 by 11:00 AM. By noon, the sun is blazing, demanding attention from all sunbathers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. As the afternoon rolls in, the index begins to taper off, dipping to 6 at 3:00 PM before settling back into milder levels—4 at 4:00 PM, then down to 2 by 5:00 PM, and finally retreating to a soft 1 by 7:00 PM. This hour-by-hour journey illustrates the sun's powerful presence and the importance of sun protection during 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, impacting sun exposure risks for visitors and residents alike. January and December have low UV levels (2), indicating minimal risk with a burn time of 45 minutes. February sees a rise to moderate levels (4), with a burn time of 30 minutes. This trend intensifies from March through August, peaking at a very high UV index of 10 in June; during this period, the burn time decreases to just 15 minutes. September and October revert to high UV levels (7 and 6 respectively), allowing for longer burn times of 25 minutes. Finally, November drops back to moderate levels (3) with a burn time of 30 minutes. To mitigate sun damage, it is crucial for everyone to take precautions—especially during the high-risk months of March through August—by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skopje | 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 |