UV Index in Skopje, North Macedonia

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Skopje, North Macedonia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding the UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in lowering the risk of long-term skin damage. With a Cfb climate, Skopje experiences significant UV exposure, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, when UV Index levels can peak at a high of 10. This highlights the importance of taking proper precautions during these hours to ensure safe and enjoyable time outdoors.

Hourly UV Index in Skopje

As the sun rises, the UV Index steadily climbs, beginning at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By mid-morning, it peeks to a moderate 5 at 09:00, but the real intensity hits during the late morning hours. At 11:00, the index reaches a striking 9, peaking at a maximum of 10 from 12:00 to 13:00—ideal conditions for sun lovers, but caution is advised! As afternoon rolls in, the UV levels gracefully decline, tapering to 7 by 15:00 and then steadily dropping to 1 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of protecting your skin during the peak hours of 11:00 to 13:00, ensuring a safe and enjoyable day under the sun.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	10	very high	15 min
13:00	10	very high	15 min
14:00	9	very high	15 min
15:00	7	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Skopje

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Skopje, North Macedonia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Skopje. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Skopje, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Skopje UV Index with Other North Macedonia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Skopje compares to other major locations across North Macedonia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Skopje's solar exposure compared to other cities in North Macedonia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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