Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for ensuring your health and safety in Bowral, Australia. As UV levels can fluctuate throughout the day, remaining informed about these readings is vital for preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health. Bowral's temperate oceanic climate typically offers generous sunshine, but that also means increased exposure risks during peak hours. Between late morning and early afternoon, UV levels can rise significantly, peaking at 5 around lunchtime. By staying aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin protected.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, providing a safe environment for morning activities. The intensity gradually increases, reaching 2 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it climbs to 4, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The peak arrives at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where the index hits 5, signaling a need for sun protection. The afternoon sees a decline, with readings at 4 at 1:00 PM, tapering to 3 by 2:00 PM. As the day begins to wind down, the UV Index drops steadily back to 1 by 4:00 PM, and sinks to 0 after 6:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of safeguarding against UV exposure, especially during the midday hours.
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 | 4 | 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, the UV Index reveals significant seasonal changes that are crucial for both visitors and residents to recognize. January through March stands out as high-risk months, with the UV Index peaking at 15 during January and December, indicating an extreme exposure category and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As the season transitions into April and September, the UV levels remain dangerously high, reaching 8 to 10, classified as very high. The summer months (May through July) offer a slight reprieve, with moderate levels peaking at 5 in May, but caution is still advised. To protect against harmful UV radiation, individuals should plan outdoor activities accordingly—especially during the highest-index months—and prioritize sunscreen application, protective clothing, and shade to minimize skin 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 |
Bowral | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 |
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 |