Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Prilep, North Macedonia, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during the peak hours when the UV Index reaches its highest levels of 10, typically between 12:00 and 13:00. Prilep's Cfb climate offers a mix of warm and temperate weather, leading to heightened UV exposure risks during sunny days. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
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 |
| Prilep | 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 |