Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Coffs Harbour, Australia, where sun safety is paramount due to its beautiful coastal climate and outdoor lifestyle. The UV levels can reach a peak of 5 around noon, which poses a significant risk for sunburn and long-term skin damage. Being aware of these levels allows you to take proactive measures to protect your skin, ensuring both health and enjoyment under the sun. With Coffs Harbour's typical Cfa climate, understanding the UV Index is essential for making informed decisions about sun exposure, especially during the hotter months. Stay protected and enjoy the sunny paradise that Coffs Harbour has to offer!
The UV Index throughout the day follows a distinct pattern, with the intensity peaking at 12:00 PM when it reaches a noteworthy level of 5. Morning hours start off mild, with values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, gradually escalating to 2 by 09:00, then climbing to 4 at 11:00. Post-noon, the index slightly decreases, falling to 4 again at 13:00, before tapering off to 2 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the levels drop significantly, plunging to 0 by 19:00. This highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| 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 | 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 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 |