Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Federal, Australia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential not just for preventing sunburn, but also for reducing the risks of long-term skin damage and potential skin cancer. With a Cfa climate characterized by hot summers, recognizing when UV exposure is at its peak—around 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM when levels can reach 4—can help you take necessary precautions. Stay informed and safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful Australian sun!
The UV Index throughout the day displays a fascinating pattern of intensity. Starting off gentle at 07:00 AM and 08:00 AM with a UV Index of 1, the sun gains strength as the day progresses. By 09:00 AM, it bumps up to 2, and from 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM, it peaks at a solid 4. This suggests a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during these hours—perfect for sunbathers to apply their sunscreen! As the afternoon unfolds, the UVI begins to decline, dropping to 3 by 02:00 PM, and swiftly returning to a milder 1 by 03:00 PM. By 05:00 PM, the UV Index drops to 0, indicating that the sun has retreated for the day, leaving behind a satisfying warmth but minimal UV risk. Enjoy the sunshine responsibly!
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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 varies significantly throughout the year, with the highest risk months being January, February, March, October, November, and December, all falling into the extreme exposure category with a UV Index of 15 or 13 and a burn time of only 10 minutes. As the seasons shift, April and September present a very high risk, with UV Indexes of 10 and 9, respectively, and burn times decreasing to 15 minutes. The summer months, particularly May, June, and July, see a decline in intensity, transitioning to high and moderate levels, allowing longer safe exposure times of 25 to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade to mitigate the harmful effects of 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 |
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 |
Federal | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |