Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Gradesnica, 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 risk of long-term skin damage, making it essential for outdoor activities. The Cfb climate in Gradesnica brings a mix of pleasant summers and mild winters, but during the peak sunlight hours, UV exposure can reach alarming levels—maxing out at 10 around midday. With such risks, monitoring the UV Index daily ensures you can enjoy the sun safely while taking necessary precautions to protect your skin.
At the break of dawn, the UV Index begins at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, inviting early risers to enjoy the cool morning air. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity increases, peaking at 10 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—the perfect time to seek shade and protect your skin. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with values dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM and easing down to 5 by 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV levels taper off to 3 at 5:00 PM and return to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a gentle close to the sun-soaked day. Remember, during peak hours, it’s crucial to step up your sun protection game!
| 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 | 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 index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating changes in sun exposure risk. January and February have moderate UV levels (indices of 3 and 4) where the risk of sunburn is low to moderate, with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring unfolds, March sees an increase to a high level of 6, prompting a burn time of 25 minutes. The high-risk months transition into summer, peaking in June, July, and August with a maximum UV index of 10 (very high exposure) and a burn time of just 15 minutes. April and May also present very high conditions (UV indices of 8 and 9), so it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during these months. September starts a decline with a UV index of 8, returning to lower levels in October (6), and finally dropping to mild conditions in November (4) and December (2), where the burn times extend to 30 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively. It's advisable for everyone to be vigilant and use sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing from March through September when UV radiation is most intense.
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 |
| Gradesnica | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 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 |