Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sirkovo, North Macedonia, where the protective embrace of its Cfb climate often belies the sun’s potency. Understanding UV levels is not just about avoiding sunburn—it's essential for maintaining overall skin health and preventing long-term damage. With UV readings peaking at 9 during midday hours, it's vital to stay informed about potential exposure risks. Whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking up the pleasant atmosphere, being UV aware is key to safeguarding your skin under Sirkovo's inviting sun.
The UV Index starts off low at 1 by 7:00 AM, perfect for early risers looking to enjoy the morning sun without worries. As the day progresses, the intensity increases, peaking at 9 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, a clear signal to seek shade and protect your skin during the intense midday hours. From 2:00 PM onward, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM, and tapering off further to 2 by 5:00 PM. As daylight fades, UV levels return to low with 1 by 6:00 PM, making the evening hours more comfortable for outdoor activities. Be mindful of the sun's strength and plan your day accordingly!
| 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 | 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, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk months occurring from April to August, when the index frequently reaches levels of 9 and 10, indicating very high exposure risk. During these months, the burn time is as low as 15 minutes, emphasizing the need for protective measures. In contrast, the winter months of January and December have a low UV Index of 2, allowing for longer exposure times of 45 minutes without concern. Visitors and residents are advised to be particularly diligent about sun safety from March to August, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to reduce the risk of harmful UV exposure. Overall, while UV levels are lower in the colder months, caution is always recommended as conditions can vary.
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 |
| Sirkovo | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 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 |