Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Coffs Harbour, Australia, where the stunning coastal scenery is often accompanied by intense sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for protecting long-term skin health. With a Cfa climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters, Coffs Harbour experiences varying UV exposure risks, particularly during midday when the index peaks at 4 around 11 AM to 1 PM. Staying informed about the UV Index can help you enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against harmful rays.
Today's UV Index starts off gently, peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM with a maximum value of 4, indicating moderate exposure risk. The morning begins at a mild 1 around 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 9:00 AM. The sun reaches its zenith at 10:00 AM, hitting 3, before stabilizing at 4 during the late morning to early afternoon hours. However, as the day progresses past 2:00 PM, the UV levels begin to dip, dropping to 1 by 3:00 PM and fading to 0 by 5:00 PM onwards. This gradual decline invites a more relaxed afternoon, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities while being mindful of sun safety during the peak 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | 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 |
| Coffs Harbour | 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 |