Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Callala Bay, Australia, where the subtropical climate can lead to increased sun exposure. Being aware of daily UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining healthy skin, particularly during peak hours when the UV Index rises. Typical UV exposure risks in Callala Bay, especially from late morning to early afternoon, underscore the importance of protecting yourself from harmful rays, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful beaches safely while minimizing skin damage.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an interesting landscape of sun exposure. Starting off at a mild 1 from 07:00 to 08:00, the index gradually rises to reach a peak of 4 at 12:00—the prime time for potential skin damage. As the sun begins to descend, the index dips back down to 2 by 14:00 and falls to a gentle 1 from 15:00 to 17:00. After a warm day filled with variable UV intensity, outdoor activities should taper off as the index drops to 0 by 18:00 and stays there until the day's end. It's a reminder of the importance of sun safety during those midday hours when the UV rays are at their most potent!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | 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 varies significantly throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring during the winter months of January and February (UV Index 14), classified as extreme, where even short exposure can lead to sunburn in just 10 minutes. A similarly high index is observed in November (UV Index 12) and December (UV Index 14). As spring approaches, March maintains an extreme level (UV Index 12), while April drops slightly to very high (UV Index 8), allowing for a bit more exposure time at 15 minutes. Summer months see a decrease in UV levels, with June and July maintaining a moderate UV Index of 3, requiring around 30 minutes of exposure before risking a burn. As autumn arrives, the UV Index rises to 7 in September (high) before dropping again in October (very high, UV Index 10). During these times, it's crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions, especially from November to March, ensuring proper sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Callala Bay | 14 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 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 |