Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Stary Smokovec, Slovakia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the sun's peak hours. Understanding UV levels not only helps you enjoy the outdoors safely but also protects against long-term skin damage. With a Dfc climate, residents and visitors can experience varied weather patterns, and during sunny days, UV exposure can reach moderate to high levels—peaking at 9 around noon. Staying informed about UV levels ensures you take the necessary precautions, allowing you to make the most of the beautiful alpine surroundings while safeguarding your skin.
The UV Index chart reveals a dynamic shift in sunlight intensity throughout the day. Starting gently at 7:00 AM with a UV Index of 2, the sun climbs higher as the hours progress, peaking at 12:00 PM with a significant 9. This intensity remains high until 1:00 PM, ensuring a strong burst of exposure. As afternoon transitions into evening, the index gradually tapers off, dropping to 6 at 3:00 PM, and further declining to 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s a dance of light where the midday sun demands respect and caution, making this time the most crucial for sun safety. Remember to apply sunscreen and seek shade during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates notable seasonal variations that affect exposure risk. January and February have relatively low to moderate UV levels (Index 2-3), with safe burn times of 45 and 30 minutes respectively. As spring approaches, March sees a rise to an index of 5, and by April, it reaches 6, marking the beginning of high-risk months. The most critical period arrives in May and June, where the UV Index peaks at 8-9, indicating very high exposure risk and a reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. July and August maintain this peak, before tapering off in September with a return to a high risk (UV Index 6). October brings a moderate reduction (Index 4), while winter months November and December drop back to low levels. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during May through September, using sunscreen and protective clothing to minimize harmful effects during these high-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presov UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Kosice UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Bratislava UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Nitra UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Zilina UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Stary Smokovec | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |