Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Bellingen, Australia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting yourself against harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is vital not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With Bellingen's Cfa climate, characterized by its temperate weather and frequent sunny days, the UV exposure risks can be significant, especially during peak hours. Knowing when UV levels rise can help you make informed decisions about sun safety, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a mild 1 by 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches 3, signaling a gentle warmth in the air. The day peaks around 11:00 and 12:00, where the index soars to a high of 6, advising outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions against harmful rays. After a vibrant midday, the UV intensity starts to taper off, dropping to 3 by 14:00, then gradually declining to 1 by 16:00. As the evening arrives, the UV Index dips to 0 after 18:00, marking a safe return for all as daylight fades. Remember, while enjoying those sunlit hours, protect your skin and stay hydrated!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring from January to March where values reach 15, marking an extreme exposure category with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Following this, the UV Index drops to 9 in April and then moderately decreases to 6 in May, transitioning from an extreme to a high concentration. As summer arrives, the index fluctuates between 4 to 7, categorized as moderate to high with burn times extending to 30 minutes in June and 25 minutes in August. Clearly, the high-risk months for UV exposure are January through March, followed by October and November when the index rises again to 13 and 15, respectively. To ensure safety, both visitors and residents are advised to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during these peak months when the risk of sunburn is significant.
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 |
| Bellingen | 15 | 15 | 14 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |