Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Braidwood, Australia, where the climate can vary significantly throughout the year. As local UV levels can soar, especially during midday, being aware of these fluctuations helps protect against harmful sun exposure and reduces the risk of sunburn and long-term skin health issues. Braidwood, characterized by its Cfb climate, experiences notable UV exposure, making it essential to prioritize skin safety during outdoor activities. Pay attention to the daily UV Index, especially when it peaks around 11 AM to 1 PM, to ensure you're taking the necessary precautions for your skin's well-being.
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 |
The UV index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with January, February, and March being the highest-risk months, all categorized as extreme with a UV index of 15, 13, and 12, respectively, and a burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring arrives, April sees a decline to 8 (very high), allowing for slightly increased exposure with a burn time of 15 minutes. The UV index lowers further in May and June to 5 and 3, both categorized as moderate, with burn times stretching to 30 minutes. However, as summer transitions to fall, September and October return to very high levels at 8 and 10, necessitating caution with a burn time of 15 minutes. Once again, November and December revert to extreme UV levels of 12 and 15, prompting a quick 10-minute burn time. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen, especially during the high-risk months of winter and late fall.
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 |
| Braidwood | 15 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 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 |