Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Skopje, North Macedonia, where the climate fosters ample sunshine but also presents significant risks for skin health. Understanding UV levels is essential to prevent sunburn and protect your skin from long-term damage. With UV readings peaking at 9 during the midday hours, it’s important to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Skopje’s Cfb climate offers varied weather but often subjects individuals to heightened UV exposure risks, particularly in the summer months. Stay vigilant, enjoy the sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking sharply at 12:00 PM with a record high of 9—a clear signal for sun safety. The day starts gently at 07:00 AM with a low of 1, but by 10:00 AM, the intensity ramps up to 6. As noon approaches, the index escalates to its maximum, lingering there for a couple of hours. By 2:00 PM, it slightly drops to 8, yet remains formidable until the late afternoon. As the sun descends, the risk wanes, falling to 3 by 5:00 PM and retreating to comfortable levels of 1 as twilight approaches. It’s a day to stay vigilant and 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 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | 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 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 |