Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Armidale, Australia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and promoting overall health. With its Cfb climate, Armidale experiences distinct seasonal variations, but during peak sunlight hours, UV levels can rise significantly, reaching up to 5—a level where sunburn can occur within just a few minutes of unprotected exposure. Staying informed about daily UV levels helps residents and visitors alike make better decisions about sun safety, ensuring that outdoor activities can be enjoyed without the harmful effects of UV radiation. From sunburn prevention to long-term skin health, knowing the UV Index not only safeguards your skin but also enhances your overall well-being in this picturesque region.
The UV Index for today reveals a dynamic day filled with fluctuating sun exposure. Early morning hours start off mild, with levels at 1 from 07:00 to 08:00, ideal for gentle outdoor activities. As the sun climbs, the index rises to 2 by 09:00 and peaks at 5 between 11:00 and 13:00, signaling a strong need for sunscreen and protective gear during midday. Fortunately, the intensity begins to dip after 14:00, descending back to 3 and eventually settling at 1 by late afternoon. As twilight approaches, the UV Index falls to 0, providing a safe window for evening strolls. Remember to stay protected when the sun is at its strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, with January, February, March, October, November, and December classified as high-risk months due to their extreme exposure categories and short burn times of just 10 minutes. As spring approaches, the index decreases, reaching a still high level in April at 10 and further dropping to 7 in May. The summer months of June and July present moderate UV levels of 4 and 5 respectively, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes. However, as summer transitions to fall, August and September see an increase back to very high exposure levels, with burn times reducing to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions, especially during the extreme and very high months, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of UV damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne UVI | 14 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 |
| Adelaide UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 15 |
| Sydney UVI | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 |
| Perth UVI | 14 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| Armidale | 16 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 16 |