Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ohrid, North Macedonia is crucial for protecting your skin and health under the sun. With peak UV levels often reaching 9 during midday, awareness of these conditions can prevent painful sunburns and reduce the long-term risk of skin damage. Ohrid's Csb climate means visitors and locals alike should be mindful of sun exposure, especially when the sun is most intense from 10 AM to 2 PM. With this knowledge, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and warm climate of Ohrid while keeping your skin safe!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady ascent. At 7:00 AM, it starts at a modest 1, signaling a low risk for sun exposure. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 3, prompting early risers to take some precautions. However, from 9:00 AM onward, the intensity increases significantly, peaking at 12:00 PM with a striking 9—a reminder that peak hours warrant serious sunscreen application and protective measures. The index hovers at 9 until 1:00 PM, before gradually tapering off, falling to 6 by 3:00 PM and concluding the day at 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly UVI data beautifully illustrates the sun's powerful midday effect, underscoring the importance of vigilance when enjoying the outdoors during peak sun 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 | 7 | 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, seasonal UV changes significantly impact sun exposure and potential skin damage. The high-risk months for UV exposure are April through October, when the UV Index frequently reaches very high to extreme levels, peaking at a dangerous 11 in June. During these months, burn times decrease sharply, with only 10 minutes of safe exposure in June. Visitors and residents should take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, particularly from April to September, to minimize the risk of skin damage. Conversely, during the winter months of December and January, the UV Index is much lower, allowing for more extended safe exposure times of up to 45 minutes.
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 |
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 |
Ohrid | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
Tetovo UVI | 3 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |