Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kratovo, North Macedonia, where the sun's intensity can pose significant risks to skin health. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation. The temperate Cfa climate of Kratovo means that sunny days are common, increasing the potential for overexposure to UV rays. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while ensuring your skin stays safe and healthy.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a fascinating curve of intensity. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to reach a peak of 10 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, highlighting the midday sun's strong rays. As the clock ticks past 1:00 PM, the index begins to decrease, settling back to 4 by 4:00 PM, and tapering off to a low 1 by the evening hours of 6:00 PM through 7:00 PM. It's a reminder that while the sun can be vibrant and energizing, precautions are essential during those peak hours, especially from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM when UV exposure can be most hazardous.
| 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 | 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, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, impacting the risk of skin damage due to sun exposure. January and December present the lowest UV Index levels (2), categorized as low, allowing for a relatively safe burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, February sees an increase to a moderate UV Index 4, with a burn time of 30 minutes. By March, the index rises to 7 (high), indicating a burn time of just 25 minutes. The months of April through August are particularly high-risk, with the UV Index reaching its peak at 10 in June and July; during these months, a mere 15 minutes of exposure can lead to sunburn. Moving into early fall, September and October maintain elevated levels at 8 and 6, respectively, while November and January return to moderate levels. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to adopt sun safety measures, especially during the high and very high risk months of April to August, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours.
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 |
| Kratovo | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 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 |